Objects of Labor

Objects of Labor

Characterization is the way an author develops an individual work. In "Out, out," a short poem by Robert Frost, an unusual object becomes the main focus. The characterization of the buzz saw was so significant it felt as though it was a character of its own. This object of labor, the buzz saw, acquired a pet like description.

Like "Thomas the Train," a buzz saw is an object of labor depicted as a focal point in a story. These objects become a part of us and who we are. In the case of Robert Frost's short poem "Out, out," the buzz saw possessed a dog like mentality. "At the word, the saw, As if to prove saws knew what supper meant, Leaped out at the boy's hand, or seemed to leap" (Frost, 1963, p. 13). Imagine it as if you were giving a dog a command, they would have responded in a much similar manor. (Frost, 1963, p. 13) "The buzz-saw snarled and rattled in the yard." The object takes on a life form through this initial characterization. This is like a dog in the yard snarling and growling. The similarities of the two are dominating.

The imagery used by Robert Frost gives the reader a sense of relationship with this object. Objects of labor become a person's right hand man. Without the tools necessary for a job, a job could take twice as long of not, longer to complete. Take a roofer for example, their equipped with a nail gun to complete their job. This nail gun becomes part of the workers daily routine. The roofer becomes comfortable with this object at their side. The downside to this relationship is forgetfulness. A worker lets their guard down and anything could happen.

Unfortunately for the boy in "Out, out," by Robert Frost, this comfort coasts him his hand. "As he swung toward them holding up the hand half in appeal, but half as if to keep the life from spilling then the boy saw all, "(Frost, 1963, p. 13). This happens not only with objects but animals as well. If you let your guard down around a sketchy dog you could get bit. Tools of labor can be just as powerful and unpredictable. Using such objects with respect and attention can prevent such occurrences.

Robert Frost does an excellent job on giving this buzz saw an identity that depicts a life like stature. By doing so the reader gains an intimate connection to this object as a character. This allows the reader to make a swift connection to everyday objects they use so comfortably. Weather it is an animal (dog), or an object (buzz saw), our respect and awareness for both must remain keen at all times.

Reference

Robert Frost (1963). Out, out. In J. Nadell, J. Langan, & E. A. Comodromos (Eds.) the Longman Writer: Rhetoric, Reader, Research Guide,

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