Question

In at least one hundred words, explain how Bart Edelman uses structure at the begging of his poem “They Shot Wook Kim” to convey one of the poem’s central themes. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Answer 1

Bart Edelman's poem "They Shot Wook Kim" describes the real-life murder of a Korean immigrant as he worked the night shift at a gas station. The poem begins with the words one through eight scattered randomly across the page, representing the eight times Wook Kim was shot and conveying the senseless, violent nature of his death. The poet uses structure and irony to portray modern America and its "complex cultures thrown into chaos," a world which Wook Kim did not really understand, and which he will never have the chance to fully learn about.

Answer 2

The poem "The Shot Wook Kim" by Bart Edelman describes the murder of an immigrant in the United States. The poem opens with a series of scattered, unorganized phrases across the page. These describe the day:

"Today was really beautiful. Sunshine, wind-whipped leaves, light rain in the afternoon before giving way to the sun again. I sat on the park bench with an empty leash in my hand, watching the kids and the dogs and the couples stroll and play."

The author most likely uses this structure to highlight the chaos and confusion that will dominate the poem. This is one of the poem's main themes. The death of Wook Kim was unnecessary and messy, and this is reflected in the messy nature of the poem. Moreover, the short sentences and scattered thoughts are meant to convey the feelings of isolation and confusion that can exist in the mind of an immigrant.