Analysis Of The Inheritance By Stephen Dunn

Stephen Dunn begins his poem, “The Inheritance,” with his speaker explaining how the disappointment that has come with the inheritance of a grand, ornate house should not have been a surprise, but instead expected. It is unclear to readers whether or not the speaker is the owner of the fortune or the heir who has inherited it, but readers will come to know that the person on the receiving end of this fortune thought that this house would fill some void in their life. However, it did quite the opposite as the heir finds the estate, and themselves, empty without “a friend in sight / The only gaiety that exists” is the gaiety they have brought with them (Dunn 5-6). By the first few sentences readers can infer that Dunn is trying to convey a theme …show more content…
This repetition is vital as it adds to the delivery of the poem. The continuous use of the word makes the poem sound informal, almost as if someone is reading the will out loud or reading it to themselves as if the document is providing directions to the inheritance. By repeating the word “you” and making the poem sound like a “to-do” list, Dunn may be suggesting that the American dream, if not followed to a tee, will result in a sluggish flow of money instead of the advertised extravagant lifestyle similar to that of Jay Gatsby. Dunn also sheds light on the fact that because the heir in the poem must be told what to do with their inheritance that this is not natural to them, even admitted by the speaker that “the exposed wooden beams, / once a main attraction, now feel pretentious, / fit for someone other” than them self (Dunn 11-13). Because of this long-anticipated inheritance, the heir in Dunn’s poem is now trying to squeeze into the shoes of Jay Gatsby, even alluding to his grand parties and wingman, Nick Carraway. Therefore, it is realized, the inheritance, much like the American dream for most people, is not all it was cracked up to be and they are now left trying to “settle in, take [their] place, however undeserved” trusting, almost hoping, that “everyone, even in their own house, is a troubled guest” (Dunn 33-37). It is Dunn’s use of such disquieting words that give the poem a regretful and reproachful tone as the heir tries to fill the shoes of their ancestors, knowing it is not a lifestyle they are fit to lead. This too reflects the experience immigrants and those who believe money will be the lasting “key to happiness” have faced, and still continue to face. They long anticipate the day they will achieve the American dream or receive their key to happiness, but find themselves leading