English Lit. and Comp

Garcia 1

Ahmazing student

Mrs. Lindsey

English Lit. and Comp.

19 September 2012

TP-FASTT: Poetry Response #2- “Miniver Cheevy” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

 Title: The title implies that it’s about a character with the medieval characteristics of a

warrior (miniver is a fur used in formal robes in the middle ages.)

 Speaker: The third person point of view allows the speaker to target audiences who long

for change but drown themselves in a harsh version of reality instead of making a change.

 Paraphrase: Robinson writes about a man named Miniver whose dream is to live in the

medieval ages--ideally as a knight in shining armor. He fantasizes about living in a

glorified version of these times but instead of becoming a modern-day knight, he sulks

and drowns his troubles in alcohol.

 Figurative Devices: Miniver is automatically introduced as an outcast by Robinson

through his diction. Miniver is a “child of scorn” which sets the tone for describing the

fact that he “Wept that he was ever born.” Within the first stanza, the author clearly

indicates that Miniver is displeased with his existence. Robinson’s use of diction shows

Miniver’s passion for a heroic era. In Miniver’s eyes, “swords were bright and steeds

were prancing.” Swords and horses are two common attributes that characterize a knight

and these are described in a positive light to create a “vision of a warrior bold” while

highlighting what Miniver idolizes about this time period. To add to this effect, he states

that Miniver “loved the Medici” and describes what he sought after as “gold.” By doing

so, he romanticizes the era. In the same way, Robinson uses this to create irony. In Garcia 2

reality, what Miniver looks at as golden was nothing but a disease-plagued era filled with

poverty and much turmoil. Irony is also seen when Miniver looks at the modern-day

khaki suit--whose color categorizes it as bland, every-day clothing – with much disdain

yet, when Miniver thinks of iron clothing, he describes it as having “medieval grace.”

Iron clothing was far from graceful but compared to a khaki suit, it provided more

strength in the form of protection which pleased Miniver.

 Attitude: Miniver’s tone towards his current life is one that is scornful much like he is

due to his surroundings; he yearns for this different time period which he is in awe of.

This is due to the era’s heroic characteristics, much unlike those of the “commonplace”

he lives in. He wishes to escape this time period but he does so by drinking which could

only worsen his disdain for the time period which he lives in. Robinson uses Miniver’s

feelings to create a bitter tone to show his view towards those who do not follow their

dreams.

 Shifts: Shifts can be seen through Robinson’s diction although his overall tone remains

elevated throughout the poem. The tone in the first stanza is gloomy because it’s

describing how Minver genuinely his life as is indicated by describing him as being

scornful and saying that he wept due to his existence. At the end of the first stanza,

Robinson writes that Minver “had reasons” for having this view on life and he goes into a

description of what Miniver sees in his perfect world. The tone has now shifted to a more

reminiscent and admiring tone. This continues until Robinson refrains from describing

the brilliant essentials that Miniver sees of the medieval era (“bright steeds” and the

infamous Medici) and instead starts describing why Miniver is scornful of the era he lives Garcia 3

actually in. When this shift occurs, the tone changes to one that is more disappointed.

Miniver then becomes contemplative and somewhat mournful.

 Title: Miniver Cheevy now indicates that this character is a lone wolf seeking an extinct

era. Miniver is not only representative of this era, but he’s only this character in his

dreams which he has failed to pursue.

 Theme: The author’s focus is placed on those who waste time dreaming rather than

pursing their dream. The message he’s trying to convey is that without an action, one’s

dreams will remain just that.

Connection to Text

Both Miniver and John’s characteristics are reflective of a time which is either fading or is long gone. They’re both represented as outcasts in their society because of their unwillingness to comply with the standards that their societies have set. They both seek to be what they see as a hero but only John is taking action to do so as opposed to simply dreaming of becoming one.

John seeks adventure by leaving his home rather than staying and face a reality which would take his ideal lifestyle away from him. Miniver on the other hand, only fantasizes about the adventures he could take had he been born centuries earlier.