Billy Collins' poem "The Names" is a powerful and deeply moving piece that reflects the tragedy of the September 11 attacks on the United States. In this essay, I will provide a summary of the poem and analyze its key themes and literary devices, as well as discuss the emotional impact it has on the reader. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The poem begins with the speaker imagining the moments before the attacks, as the hijackers go about their daily lives and the victims unknowingly go about their business. . The speaker then moves on to the aftermath of the attacks, describing the chaos and confusion that followed. He notes how the victims' names were all that remained and how they were read aloud at memorial services, becoming a way to honor and remember those who lost their lives. Throughout the poem, Collins reflects on the power of names and the importance of remembering those who perished in the attacks. It presents a list of names, each representing a person who died on that tragic day. The speaker highlights the diversity of the victims, emphasizing the wide range of backgrounds, cultures and professions represented among those who lost their lives. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the attacks and the profound impact they have had on individuals from all walks of life. The poem also explores the idea of ​​memory and how we remember and honor those who are no longer with us. We. By reading the names of the victims, the speaker suggests that their memories remain alive and that they continue to be present in the world, even after their death. This idea is summed up in the phrase: “So many names, there is barely room on the walls of the heart.” Collins here expresses the overwhelming nature of grief and the difficulty of coming to terms with the large number of lives lost. The poem is filled with rich, evocative imagery, from the “soft vowels” of the victims’ names to the “empty desks.” children who grew up and left." These images serve to bring the events of 9/11 to life and evoke a sense of empathy and sadness in the reader. Collins also uses repetition to powerful effect, the repeated phrase " the names of the dead" serving as a constant refrain throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of these individuals and the weight of their loss. One of the most striking aspects of "The Names" is its emotional impact. Collins' use of language and imagery creates a deeply moving and poignant portrait of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The poem invites the reader to think about the human cost of the tragedy and to consider the individual lives that were lost, rather than simply viewing the event as a statistic. By focusing on the names of the victims, Collins highlights the personal nature of loss and encourages us to remember and honor those who perished. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Paper EssayIn conclusion, “The Names” is a haunting and powerful poem that captures the tragedy of the September 11 attacks in a deeply moving and evocative way. Through its exploration of memory, diversity and the importance of individual lives, the poem invites the reader to reflect on the human cost of the attacks and to consider the lasting impact they had on countless individuals. Collins' skillful use of language and imagery creates a work that is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking, leaving an impression..