Billy Collins' poem "The Names" is a powerful and deeply moving piece that reflects on the tragedy of the September 11 attacks in the United States. In this essay I will provide a summary of the poem and analyze its key themes and literary devices, as well as discuss the emotional impact it has on the reader. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The poem begins with the speaker imagining the moments before the attacks, as the hijackers go about their daily routines and the victims unknowingly go about theirs. The speaker then moves on to the aftermath of the attacks, describing the chaos and confusion that followed. Notice how the names of the victims were all that remained and how they were read aloud during funeral ceremonies, becoming a way to honor and remember those who lost their lives. Throughout the poem, Collins reflects on the power of names and the significance of remembering the people who died in the attacks. It features a list of names, each representing a person who died on that tragic day. The speaker highlights the diversity of victims, highlighting the wide range of backgrounds, cultures and professions represented among those who lost their lives. This serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the attacks and the profound impact they have had on individuals from all walks of life. The poem also explores the idea of ​​memory and the ways in which we remember and honor those who are no longer with us. us. Through the act of reading the victims' names, the speaker suggests that their memories are kept alive and that they continue to be present in the world, even after their passing. This idea is encapsulated in the phrase: “So many names, there is barely room on the walls of the heart.” Here, Collins conveys the overwhelming nature of grief and the difficulty of coming to terms with the sheer number of lives lost. The poem is full of rich, evocative imagery, from the "soft vowels" of the victims' names to the "empty desks." of the children who have grown up and gone." These images serve to bring the events of 9/11 to life and evoke a sense of empathy and grief in the reader. Collins also uses repetition to powerful effect, with the repeated phrase "the names of the dead" which serves as a constant refrain throughout the poem, driving home the significance of these individuals and the weight of their loss. One of the most striking aspects of "The Names" is its emotional impact Collins' language and imagery creates a deeply moving and touching portrait of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The poem invites the reader to reflect on the human cost of the tragedy and to consider the individual lives lost, rather than simply looking at the event as a statistic. By focusing on the names of the victims, Collins highlights the personal nature of loss and encourages us to remember and honor those who have died. Keep in mind: this is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Customize Essay In conclusion, “The Names” is a haunting and powerful poem that captures the tragedy of the September 11 attacks in a deeply moving and evocative way. Through the exploration of memory, diversity and the meaning of individual lives, the poem invites the reader to reflect on the human cost of the attacks and to consider the lasting impact they have had on countless individuals. Collins's skillful use of language and imagery creates a work that is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.