Analysis Of Money By Dana Gioia

"Money", a poem written by Dana Gioia, not only shows how powerful money can be, but also explores how evil and toxic it can become. The first thing to notice before reading the poem "Money" is a quote at the top of the poem that states, "Money is a kind of poetry" by Wallace Stevens. When reading it you might fly by without noticing what he is truly trying to say. Dana Gioia is trying to get the reader to question the true meaning of the poem before you read it. There are many ways that the quote could be understood. Past or present poetry can be very powerful and it can inspire, influence or motivate someone to do anything. This is similar for money it can control someone's life making them do things they would not normally do, it is a very powerful thing. Money can be used for anything in today's world and so can the pen and paper if the right words are used.

The beginning of the poem the author introduces the many names of money: "Money the long green, cash, stash, rhino, jack or just plain dough." (1-3) Since this poem was

"It greases the palm, feathers a nest, holds heads above water, makes both ends meet." (10-12) This part of the poem shows that not only is money very important, but without money we can't live a normal life in today's world. It feathers a nest means to give you shelter or a home. In order to have a home you must have money to buy it. While keeping your head above water means some people barely get by each month and struggle to support their family or themselves. The struggle comes from the lack of money and ability to buy needed things. When someone says to make both ends meet they mean by paying how much it takes to sustain a normal life. Without money most people could not accomplish this. He ends the poem wanting the reader to know just how toxic money can be. "Money, You don't know where it's been, but you put it where your mouth is. And it talks"