What is it about?
The conflict in Gaza. The poem is in the form of a classical piano sonata in three movements Allegro non troppo (two contrasting themes and three parts: exposition, development, recapitulation and coda), Adagio molto (inspired by Bach’s “Concerto Italiano”. It’s a mourning song with a single melodic line, continuously varied and interrupted several times), Perpetuum mobile. Presto (inspired by Ravel’s “Violin Sonata”. It’s a hurried piece that could go on forever. There’s just one moment of apparent peace in the middle.).
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Why is it important?
It reflects the eternal repetition of war, the effect of bombing on the local population, and the standpoint of the 21st Century observer's view of the conflict at a comfortable distance from the war. The conflict and the situation also has a profound effect on the poet and his concern for his young child and her future.
Perspectives
The poem's format and constraints (41 characters per line) make it a powerful statement on the ongoing conflict in the region - the poem was written in 2014 but there has been no resolution at all. There is unlikely to be one in the near future. Hence its constant relevance.
Patrick Williamson
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This page is a summary of: Sonata For Gaza, Poem, October 2018, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/20519842.2018.1511277.
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