Critical
Analytical Reading of "Voices" by Eva Lianou Petropoulou – Greece .
By : Kareem Abdullah – Iraq .
Introduction: Eva Lianou Petropoulou's poem "Voices" offers a profound exploration of the paradoxical nature of human emotions and responses in different situations. The poem presents a series of thought-provoking questions, drawing attention to the complexities of human behavior in the face of both joy and suffering. Through its introspective tone and concise structure, the poem challenges the reader to reflect on the deep connections between emotional expression, the human mind, and the concept of free will.
Analysis:
Title -
"Voices": The title immediately introduces the theme of communication and internal
dialogue. "Voices" can be interpreted as a reference to the various
calls for help, freedom, and peace that people make, but also to the internal
voices that dictate how we react to different emotional states. The plural form
of "Voices" suggests the multiplicity of perspectives and
experiences, implying that the poem is not only about individual experiences
but also about collective human emotions and struggles.
Theme of
Contradiction in Human Emotion: The central theme of the poem revolves around the
contradiction in human emotional responses. The poet asks, "But why we cry
in our happy moments / And laugh.....when we are in a very difficult
situations?" This rhetorical question serves as a powerful paradox that
challenges the reader’s assumptions about the nature of human emotions.
Typically, crying is associated with sadness, and laughter with joy; however,
the poet disrupts these associations to point out how human beings sometimes react
in unexpected ways. This highlights the complexity of human psychology and the
ways in which people navigate their emotional landscapes.
Self-Defense and
Human Instincts:
The poet suggests that perhaps this contradictory emotional behavior is a form
of self-defense. The line, "Maybe this is the self defense of our
organism," introduces an interesting psychological concept: the idea that
our emotions, even in their paradoxical forms, may serve as protective
mechanisms. This idea evokes the notion of the fight-or-flight response and the
instinctual ways in which humans protect themselves from stress, trauma, or
emotional overwhelm. The reference to "self-defense" could imply that
emotions such as crying or laughing in inappropriate contexts might be subconscious
ways of coping with internal or external pressures.
Exploration of the
Human Brain: The
line, "Still discovering the human brain," reveals the poet’s
awareness of the ongoing research into human cognition and emotion. The
statement highlights the mystery of the human mind, which is still being
explored by science. It suggests that despite our advancements in understanding
the brain and human behavior, there is still much to uncover about the complex
mechanisms that govern our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
The Concept of
Free Will: The
closing line, "What is certain... / It is that we have free will,"
serves as a pivotal moment in the poem. After exploring the unpredictability of
human emotions, the poet affirms the certainty of free will. Despite the
paradoxical nature of human emotional responses, the poet suggests that we
still retain the power to make choices and exert control over our actions. This
line introduces an element of empowerment, emphasizing that, regardless of how
complex or contradictory our emotions may be, we are not entirely at their
mercy. The affirmation of free will serves as a reminder of human agency in a
world that can often feel chaotic and uncontrollable.
Conclusion: Eva Lianou Petropoulou’s
"Voices" offers a rich and thought-provoking meditation on the
complexity of human emotions, the mysteries of the brain, and the role of free
will in shaping our responses to life’s challenges. Through its paradoxical
statements and rhetorical questions, the poem invites the reader to reflect on
the deeper, often contradictory, nature of human behavior. The poem's ultimate
message—despite the uncertainty and unpredictability of human emotions—is that
we, as individuals, have the capacity for free will and can exercise control
over how we respond to the world around us. In doing so, the poem not only
engages with deep psychological and philosophical questions but also affirms
the resilience and agency of the human spirit.
Voices
So many people cry for help
Cry for freedom
Cry for peace
But why we cry in our happy moments
And
Laugh.....when we are in a very difficult situations?
Maybe this is the self defense of our organism
Still discovering the human brain
What is certain...
It is that we have free will
Eva Lianou Petropoulou ( Greece )
She
is an awarded author and poet from Greece with more than 25 years in the
Literary field published more that 10 books.
Her poems are translated in more than 25 languages. She is President of creativity and art of Mil Mentes Por Mexico Association
Greece Mexico
Official candidate for Nobel Peace prize
2024
By : Kareem Abdullah – Iraq .
Introduction: Eva Lianou Petropoulou's poem "Voices" offers a profound exploration of the paradoxical nature of human emotions and responses in different situations. The poem presents a series of thought-provoking questions, drawing attention to the complexities of human behavior in the face of both joy and suffering. Through its introspective tone and concise structure, the poem challenges the reader to reflect on the deep connections between emotional expression, the human mind, and the concept of free will.
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Kareem Abdullah |
So many people cry for help
Cry for freedom
Cry for peace
But why we cry in our happy moments
And
Laugh.....when we are in a very difficult situations?
Maybe this is the self defense of our organism
Still discovering the human brain
What is certain...
It is that we have free will
Eva Lianou Petropoulou ( Greece )
Her poems are translated in more than 25 languages. She is President of creativity and art of Mil Mentes Por Mexico Association
Greece Mexico
Official candidate for Nobel Peace prize
2024