Summary
Summary Grade 11: Portrait of a Machine - Poem Analysis
- Course
- Institution
Poem Analysis of the poem Portrait of a Machine. Gives line-by-line explanation, the structure of the poem, title of the poem
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
mstudynotes
Content preview
Portrait of a MachineLouis Untermeyer
Line 1-14 explanation/notes
What nudity as beautiful as this ● both humans and machines are naked and
beautiful in their creation
Obedient monster purring at its toil; ● machine is described as 9bediant as it obeys
its master instructions to work hard
● “toil” → work
● “purring” → content, relaxed, no real
threat
● 'monster' → brings the element of evil
sinister about the machine
These naked iron muscles dripping oil ● strength of the machine is emphasized by 'iron
muscles
● Image of a strong machine
● naked → likens machines to humans
And the sure-fingered rods that never miss. ● impression of how the machine works - how
precise it is/does not make mistakes (better
than humans)
This long and shining flank of metal is ● flank → side of the animal (between the
ribs and hip) Computing the machine to a
string animal and commenting on the
beauty if the machine: 'shining'
Magic that greasy labour cannot spoil; ● emphasis on how the machine works as almost
magical
While this vast engine that could rend the soil ● here we are given an impression of the
impressive work that the machine can perform
agriculturally. Its large engine allows it to tear
through (‘rend’) the soil.
Conceals its fury with a gentle hiss ● This onomatopoeia is effective as it shows the
hidden anger /malice of the machine.
● Think of when a snake hisses and how it is
feeling when it does that. (element of anger)
It does not vent its loathing, it does not turn ● ‘loathing’ refers to an intense dislike/hatred.
This tells us how the machine really feels about
mankind, although it does not outwardly show
it.
Upon its makers with destroying hate. ● The machine almost decides not to turn its
back on its creators but to rather be patient…
It bears a deeper malice; lives to earn ● ‘malice’ tells us that the machine has evil
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller mstudynotes. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.71. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
75323 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now