Beethoven Poem Analysis Essay

In the poem, “Beethoven”, Shane Koyczan makes the point that the best way “to know the man” is to listen to his music. He brings Beethoven’s story to life by using a variety of literary devices. The poet goes into detail by using imagery, diction, metaphor, and allusion to show the life of Beethoven and the effect his music had on others. Koyczan explains the conflict and abuse in Beethoven’s life by using different poetic devices. In the beginning, his choice of words suggests abuse. In the first stanza, he uses the words “hit” and “yell.” He chose these words because they give a violent feeling. Then, he repeats a certain phrase throughout the poem. He repeats “it was not good enough” many times. This is what Beethoven was probably told when he did not play something correctly. This phrase plays over and over in his head which is why he is never satisfied with his music or the way he plays. Later, more conflict is shown through imagery. An example would be “when his fingers cramped up into the gnarled roots of tree trunks.” He would play so much to the point that his fingers cramped up. It might have been that he did not play the song perfectly. No matter how much he practices, he just isn’t pleased with his music. …show more content…
He mentioned how “each note leaving track marks over every inch of their bodies making them ache for one more hit he was an addiction.” They were addicted to his music because it was unique. Later, Koyczan, references to the Tower of Babel by saying that “Beethoven’s musical measurements could take you to distances reaching past the towers of Babylon.” The poet is saying that no matter what language you speak, Beethoven’s music speaks to everyone. Towards the end of the poem, he chose certain words to show how it made others feel. He used words such as “heavenly, sensation, ache, and addiction.” These words show how intense his music was and that it was