Critical Analysis Of Ghazal Head By Terrence Hayes

Sarah Beth Selph
ENG 202 – Intro to Poetry
“Ghazal – Head”
Non-conformity is defined as a failure or refusal to abide to a prevailing rule or practice. Terrence Hayes expresses his idea of non-conformity throughout the poem “Ghazal-Head.” The overall analysis, literary elements, and background of the poem provide evidence of the non-conformity conveyed throughout the poem.
The first example of non-conformity found in the poem is in the first stanza. The stanza reads, “You no-good fork sucker, that’s what. / You no-good backscratcher, that’s what” (Hayes 82). The first stanza immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem while expressing the writer’s thoughts through anger. The terms “no-good fork sucker” and “no-good backscratcher” are phrases that Hayes uses as a form of insult to society. Looking at the term “fork sucker” the common issue of obesity comes to mind due to how much of a major issue it is in today’s society. On the other hand, the term “backscratcher” corresponds with favoritism. The common phrase, “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” comes to mind because of the relevance in today’s world in our society that only cares about who you know and not where you are coming from. These issues are prevalent in today’s society and are just two of the many Terrance Hayes addresses throughout the poem “Ghazal – Head”.
The second stanza in the poem “Ghazal-Head” supports another aspect of non-conformity by discussing uselessness. Hayes writes, “A blue thumbnail. An old light fixture. A toylike hammer / A glass or tumbler. Bend your fingers, that’s what” (Hayes 82). An analysis of this stanza provides examples of useless items like an old light fixture and a toylike hammer. For example, a hammer is useful becau...

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...tanzas give the reader the understanding of many issues in today’s society including obesity, favoritism, and consumerism. The literary elements of alliteration, assonance, and consonance are evident in stanza six, seven, and three. The different poetic devices further develop Terrance Hayes’ argument of non-conformity and is proven through the word choice and detail used through these poetic devices. Having an understanding of the background of a Ghazal also gives the audience a better understanding of non-conformity. Terrance Hayes did not follow the typical structure of a Ghazal which is the epitome of non-conformity. With the Ghazal having a repeated refrain of “that’s what”, Terrance Hayes solidifies the argument of non-conformity and the overall aggressiveness of the poem. Conclusively, Terrance Hayes poem “Ghazal-Head” has an overall theme of non-conformity.