Analysis of Literary Criticism about Oranges of Gary Soto Research Paper

Analysis of Literary Criticism about Oranges of Gary Soto - Research Paper Example In his narrative, the poet actually steps in adolescence when he buys something for her girl by taking a chance. He offers an orange and a nickel to the saleslady for the bar of chocolate that the girl chooses. This is a critical point in the life of the boy and the climax in the poem because it creates uncertainty whether the saleslady will accept it or not. Once his offer is accepted, the boy comes out of the superstore triumphantly and enjoys his time with the girl. Although his courage is impressive, the risk was also a safe and intelligent bet: If the saleslady had refused to honor his orange for payment, he would still have the two oranges to share with the girl on their way home. Either way, he proves himself and impresses the girl which was the goal in the first place, and he is rewarded for his bravery by being allowed to hold her hand on the walk home. (White, 123) The poem is divided into two parts- before and after going in the superstore. The tone of the poem and the att itude of the boy have drastically changed. The tension or coldness between them is replaced by warmth and the scenery transforms dramatically. â€Å"Someone might have thought/ I was making a fire in my hands.† (55-56) the poet’s wish has been granted and suddenly the dullness of December as signified by fog and old coats is brightened up with the oranges. The color of orange stands out sharply in contrast to gray December; in fact it even looks like fire. Fire is the antithesis of frost, which was mentioned in the first part of the poem. Frost and crackling ice represent the absence of emotions or passions; but by the end of the poem, the boy earned warmth which is represented by the color of the oranges. In the first part of the poem, when the boy is entering the superstore, he notices a â€Å"used car lot† (18) which represents emptiness and stillness. The emotional state of the boy is empty and still. This condition is transformed in the second part of the p oem where â€Å"A few cars hissing past† (43) denote the movement or transition in the stage of life of the boy. He moves on in life without looking back at it with awkwardness, as he â€Å"finds a new sense of confidence and independence.†(White, 121) The poetic language used in the poem is simple and based on a trivial, everyday experience of a young boy. The language is also kept simple because it is stored in the memory of a person, when he was young- merely 12 years old. His memories are captured in a rather simple manner that makes it easy for the readers to compare or relate their experiences with his. Imagery and symbolism are used extensively by Soto to describe the entire scenery and situation. The boy recalls his vivid memories of walking for the first time with a girl. This shows how important it is for anyone at this age to feel love for the first time. The poet is aware of the external scenes and captures them in his memory- he is aware of all the sights and sounds of the gray December and slowly he starts noticing the various colors that light up his mood and his surroundings. The yellow light in the porch, the color of rouge on the cheeks of the girl, newly planted trees are some of the things that visually describe the scenery. Apart from this, sound imagery also brings to life the entire scene to the readers, as they read the phrases: Frost cracking; a dog barked; the tiny bell; and a few