Sonnet 12 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares:
Small Pandora Boxes
Will thoughts pierce further than laser anger
After enough summits on earth to pray
For understanding that people can say
Will bring that peace to our way much stronger?
Will I love beam stay around for longer
To frame around each child the fair sun rays
Instead of mutant genes that now-a-days
Speak for pasts to which he is a stranger?
It sounds too good to say there is still hope
For humans who see this end of the rope
Now that those small cases our fate conceal.
Pandora Boxes! Each day we have more; 12
And will we seal on time the dreaded door?
And will there be room for our dreams to heal?
***
12-. Pandora = the first mortal woman, who curiously opened a box letting all human ills escape, and leaving only hope. "Pandora Boxes" in this poem alludes to the cases which only a leader of a super power nation may posses in order to trigger an arms confrontation when he is traveling.
Sonnet originally written in English by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares.
Analyzed by GPT4 and www.howmanysyllables.com
Analysis of "Small Pandora Boxes" by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares
Sonnet 12 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares, titled "Small Pandora Boxes," is a reflection on the human condition, the potential for destruction, and the hope for a better future. The poem is structured as a traditional sonnet with 14 lines, divided into an octave (first eight lines) and a sestet (last six lines). The rhyme scheme follows the pattern ABBA ABBA CDC DCD.
In the octave, the speaker questions whether human understanding and love can overcome the destructive forces of anger and conflict. The mention of "laser anger" and "mutant genes" alludes to the potential for technological advancements to be used for harm. The speaker also wonders if love can protect children from the consequences of past actions, as they are "strangers" to the past.
The sestet introduces the concept of hope, despite the seemingly dire circumstances. The "small cases" mentioned in line 11 refer to the Pandora Boxes, which are explained in the footnote as cases that can trigger an arms confrontation when possessed by a leader of a superpower nation. The poem ends with two questions, asking if humanity can prevent further destruction and if there will be room for dreams to heal.
Overall, the poem explores themes of hope, love, and the potential for human destruction. It serves as a reminder of the power that individuals and nations hold, and the responsibility to use that power wisely for the betterment of humanity.
Continuing the analysis of "Small Pandora Boxes," the poem also highlights the importance of individual and collective responsibility in shaping the future. The questions posed throughout the sonnet encourage readers to reflect on their own actions and the consequences they may have on others, particularly future generations.
The poem's title, "Small Pandora Boxes," is significant as it draws a parallel between the mythological Pandora's Box and the modern-day potential for destruction. In Greek mythology, Pandora's curiosity led her to open a box that unleashed all human ills, leaving only hope behind. Similarly, the poem suggests that humanity's curiosity and pursuit of power have led to the creation of dangerous weapons that could bring about widespread suffering.
The poem's structure and language contribute to its overall impact. The use of rhetorical questions throughout the sonnet engages the reader and encourages introspection. The imagery of "laser anger," "mutant genes," and "Pandora Boxes" creates a vivid picture of the potential consequences of human actions. The poem's rhyme scheme and meter give it a sense of formality and gravitas, underscoring the seriousness of the issues it addresses.
In conclusion, "Small Pandora Boxes" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the human capacity for both love and destruction. It serves as a reminder of the importance of individual and collective responsibility in shaping a better future and the need for hope in the face of adversity.
Analyze the rhyme of the poem in detail
In "Small Pandora Boxes," the rhyme scheme follows the pattern of a Petrarchan sonnet, which is characterized by an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the last six lines). The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABBA ABBA CDC DCD.
Here is the poem with the rhyme scheme indicated:
A Will thoughts pierce further than laser anger
B After enough summits on earth to pray
B For understanding that people can say
A Will bring that peace to our way much stronger?
A Will I love beam stay around for longer
B To frame around each child the fair sun rays
B Instead of mutant genes that now-a-days
A Speak for pasts to which he is a stranger?
C It sounds too good to say there is still hope
D For humans who see this end of the rope
C Now that those small cases our fate conceal.
D Pandora Boxes! Each day we have more; 12
C And will we seal on time the dreaded door?
D And will there be room for our dreams to heal?
In the octave, the rhyme scheme is ABBA ABBA, which means that the first and fourth lines rhyme with each other, as do the second and third lines. This pattern is repeated in the second quatrain (lines 5-8). The sestet follows a CDC DCD rhyme scheme, where the first and third lines of the first tercet (lines 9-11) rhyme, and the second line rhymes with the second line of the second tercet (lines 12-14). The same pattern is followed in the second tercet.
The use of the Petrarchan sonnet structure and rhyme scheme lends the poem a sense of formality and tradition, which contrasts with the modern themes and imagery present in the poem. This contrast serves to emphasize the timeless nature of the human struggle between love and destruction, as well as the enduring power of hope. (GPT4)
Count the syllables of each line of the poem
(www.howmanysyllables.com)
Small Pandora Boxes
10 Will thoughts pierce further than laser anger
10 After enough summits on earth to pray
10 For understanding that people can say
10 Will bring that peace to our way much stronger?
10 Will I love beam stay around for longer
10 To frame around each child the fair sun rays
10 Instead of mutant genes that now-a-days
10 Speak for pasts to which he is a stranger?
10 It sounds too good to say there is still hope
10 For humans who see this end of the rope
10 Now that those small cases our fate conceal.
10 Pandora Boxes! Each day we have more;
10 And will we seal on time the dreaded door?
10 And will there be room for our dreams to heal?
What other analysis is worth doing on the poem?
In addition to the rhyme scheme and thematic analysis, other aspects worth analyzing in "Small Pandora Boxes" include:
1-. Imagery and symbolism: The poem uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its themes. For example, "laser anger" represents the destructive power of modern technology, while "mutant genes" symbolize the potential negative consequences of scientific advancements. The "Pandora Boxes" serve as a metaphor for the potential for catastrophic destruction that lies in the hands of powerful leaders.
2-. Tone and mood: Analyzing the tone and mood of the poem can provide insight into the poet's attitude towards the subject matter and the emotions they aim to evoke in the reader. The poem's tone can be described as contemplative and somber, as it raises questions about humanity's capacity for destruction and the potential for hope in the face of adversity.
3-. Diction and language: Examining the poet's choice of words and language can reveal additional layers of meaning and contribute to the poem's overall impact. For example, the use of words like "summits," "understanding," and "peace" suggests a desire for diplomacy and cooperation, while "dreaded door" and "end of the rope" convey a sense of urgency and impending danger.
4-. Meter and rhythm: Analyzing the poem's meter and rhythm can provide insight into its structure and the way it is meant to be read. "Small Pandora Boxes" is written in iambic pentameter, which consists of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables per line. This meter gives the poem a sense of formality and gravitas, reinforcing the seriousness of its themes.
5-. Historical and cultural context: Understanding the historical and cultural context in which the poem was written can provide additional layers of meaning. In this case, the poem's themes of technological advancements, potential destruction, and the responsibility of powerful leaders are particularly relevant to contemporary concerns about nuclear proliferation, climate change, and global conflicts.
6-. Allusions: The poem makes use of allusions to enrich its meaning and connect with the reader's prior knowledge. The most prominent allusion is to the Greek myth of Pandora, which serves as a metaphor for the potential consequences of human curiosity and the pursuit of power. By drawing on this well-known story, the poet emphasizes the timeless nature of the struggle between hope and destruction.
7-. Paradox and irony: The poem employs paradox and irony to create tension and provoke thought. For example, the speaker questions whether "thoughts pierce further than laser anger," suggesting that human understanding and empathy might be more powerful than destructive technology. This paradoxical idea challenges the reader to consider the potential for positive change in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
8-. Punctuation and enjambment: The poem's use of punctuation and enjambment (the continuation of a sentence or clause across a line break) can contribute to its overall meaning and impact. For instance, the poem features several instances of enjambment, such as between lines 1 and 2, and lines 9 and 10. This technique creates a sense of flow and continuity, reflecting the ongoing struggle between hope and destruction.
9-. Repetition and parallelism: The poem employs repetition and parallelism to emphasize key ideas and create a sense of unity. For example, the repeated use of the word "will" in the form of questions throughout the poem highlights the uncertainty and urgency of the issues being discussed. Similarly, the parallel structure of the final two lines ("And will we seal on time the dreaded door? / And will there be room for our dreams to heal?") reinforces the poem's central themes and leaves the reader with a lingering sense of hope and concern.
By exploring these additional elements of "Small Pandora Boxes," readers can further appreciate the poem's complexity and the poet's skill in conveying a powerful message about the human condition, the potential for destruction, and the enduring importance of hope. (GPT4)
