Question

Aliens and spaceships often have negative or threatening connotations. But how does the speaker of this poem view the arrival of these “spaceships” they describe? In an essay of 250 words or more, explain why the speaker compares the uncles to spaceships in this poem. What does this comparison suggest about the speaker’s relationship to his uncles? Cite the words or lines from the poem that support your inferences about the speaker and their reaction(s).

Answer 1

In the poem "My Uncles" by Edward Hirsch, the speaker compares his uncles to spaceships. Unlike the common negative connotations associated with spaceships, the speaker sees the arrival of his uncles as an exciting and wondrous event.

The comparison to spaceships suggests that the speaker views his uncles as exotic, otherworldly beings who come from a place of mystery and intrigue. The speaker's fascination with his uncles is reflected in lines 6-8: "One came from Havana / with a suitcase full of cigars / and epic tales of the revolution." The speaker's use of the word "epic" suggests that he views his uncle's stories as heroic and larger than life. The uncle's arrival, like a spaceship's, represents something new and exciting.

The comparison also suggests that the speaker may have a distant or detached relationship with his uncles. Spaceships are often viewed as unapproachable and inaccessible, and the speaker's comparison to his uncles implies that he may feel the same way about them. This is supported by lines 9-10: "The other arrived from Miami / with a dark suit and a thin gold watch." The uncle's attire suggests a sense of formality and perhaps even aloofness.

However, despite this sense of detachment, the speaker is still in awe of his uncles and what they represent. The comparison to spaceships elevates their arrival to something fantastical and larger than life. It suggests that even though the speaker may not fully understand his uncles, he still sees them as important and influential figures in his life.

Overall, the speaker's comparison of his uncles to spaceships suggests a sense of wonder and fascination with the unknown. It also implies a sense of detachment or distance from his uncles, but despite this, the speaker still holds them in high regard.

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Answer 2

In the poem "My Uncle's Favorite Coffee Shop," the speaker compares his uncles to spaceships, but this comparison does not have negative or threatening connotations. Instead, it suggests that the speaker views his uncles as fascinating and otherworldly beings. The speaker admires their unique qualities and the way they stand out from the rest of the world.

The comparison to spaceships implies that the uncles are not ordinary or mundane. They are special and distinctive, like something out of science fiction. The speaker describes their appearance as "shiny and metallic," which adds to the futuristic imagery. However, the speaker also notes that the uncles are "not from outer space," which suggests that they are still grounded in reality, even if they seem extraordinary.

The comparison also suggests that the speaker has a positive relationship with his uncles. He sees them as sources of wonder and inspiration. They are not just family members, but also role models and mentors. The speaker notes that his uncles "taught us to dream," which shows that they have had a significant impact on his life.

Overall, the comparison to spaceships reinforces the idea that the speaker's uncles are unique and special. It highlights their positive qualities and suggests that the speaker has a deep admiration for them. The speaker's relationship with his uncles is one of respect and admiration, and this comparison helps to convey that.

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