The Terrorist He Watches Poem Analysis

The Terrorist, He Watches (2003) was written by Szymborska, an award winning poet whose work often criticized mankind, in addition to exploring large truths that exist within everyday life. She also focuses on big classic themes such as war, life and death and this could be attributed to her experiences from earlier in her life. The title The Terrorist, He Watches brings immediate attention to the significance and importance of the terrorist, furthermore it shows he’s not just observing but enjoying it. Likewise, the title also suggest the possible story that is going to be presented, yet the meaning remains hidden. The Terrorist, He Watches is the story of a man, who can be assumed to be the terrorist, as he waits and watches for the events …show more content…
Firstly, end-stopped plays a vital role especially within the final stanza. As “The time, how it drags. Should be any moment now. Not yet. Yes, this is it. The bomb, it goes off”, as it builds anticipation and suspense for the explosion of the bomb. Additionally, as the time for the terrorist “drags”, it shows how not only is the terrorist impatient, but it’s almost as if he’s excited and enjoys the wait for the explosion. Furthermore, time for the terrorist is suspense, as it only goes slow for him, as he’s waiting. Whereas it’s normal for everyone else, increasing or rather even more so demonstrating their ignorance. Another literary device that influences the poem, is the repetition of time, as it not only builds suspense but is a constant reminder to the reader. Lastly, the literary device of anticlimactic in vitally important to the end of the poem, as the line “The bomb, it goes off” almost appears as if disappointment is felt by the terrorist. This could be due to his enjoyment of the suspense and that the waiting is over, or rather that the terrorist feels perhaps regret for his actions, possibly giving or even restoring faith in humanity for the reader, even if it is just a hope that he does regret his