ENL 003 Post #3

The poem “Suicide’s Note” by Langston Hughes recounts the brief but compelling reason behind a man’s decision to end his life. Portrayed by Machinima Poetry Theater using the videogame Halo 3 and the song “Mad World”, this video tribute effectively conveys the forlorn tone inherent in the poem as well as presents the text in an engaging style. Also, using the Halo character and setting to express the actions described by Hughes, it seems to improve the poem from a narrative perspective since the audience can use the series’ mythos to fill in the story behind the suicide note. However, due to the complex storyline of strife, humanity, and technology associated with the Halo franchise and the song “Mad World” describing a chaotic world through the eyes of a teenager, it foregoes the anonymity that was originally associated with the original text only allowing us a glimpse. Applying this background the poem appears to have an anti-war outlook, showing a lone soldier standing post that, after finding himself a stranger in a strange land, examines a river and, tantalized by its tranquil temperament, drowns himself in it to find peace. In these respects, the video heavily diverges from the tone and emotions one perceives when reading Hughes’ poem by itself.
As for an example of poetry referenced in popular culture, in the classic “Simpsons” episode “Old Money”, Grampa recites a portion from the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling as he tries to convince Homer that gambling his inheritance is for the greater good. Aside from bringing an element of culture into the moment, the quote admirably gives insight into Grampa’s decision and presents a rather uplifting message for his son regarding experience. However, the humor quickly follows as Homer immediately dismisses it as foolish and pulls his father’s bet. In my opinion it makes the scene memorable by telling a relatively realistic lesson about maturity and reinforces the humor as the flaw within the poem’s logic is quickly pointed out. Also, it brings a smile to older viewers familiar with Kipling’s poem and playfully urges younger viewers to read it.