Question

Reading "Diving Into the Wreck" allegorically, then what might the "wreck" be? What would the other objects and actions in the poem then possibly be, given your assumption of what the wreck might be?

Answer 1

The poem "Diving into the Wreck" can be allegorically interpreted as representing the wreck of western civilization, with various objects and actions symbolizing different aspects of this society.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the poem "Diving into the Wreck," the "wreck" can be interpreted allegorically as the wreck of western civilization, containing the ruins of both patriarchy and poetry. The other objects and actions in the poem can then represent various aspects of this oppressive society. For example, the ribbons in the first stanza, which appear beautiful to the speaker even though they are pollution, can symbolize the hidden beauty that can be found within the destructive nature of this civilization. Similarly, the flames in the second stanza, which appear "gorgeous" to the believers despite being destructive, can represent the allure and seductiveness of the oppressive system.