“Player Piano” by John Updike

Sample Solution

    John Updike’s “Player Piano” is an effective use of sound throughout the poem. He uses sound to create a vivid imagery of a piano being played, as well as capturing the speaker's emotion and sentiment towards it. Updike combines both auditory and visual elements in

“Player Piano” to convey his message about how human relationships have been replaced by machines, and how technology has taken away from our natural connections with each other. The first stanza sets up the mood and tone of the poem, beginning with a soft repeated tones of “tocka-tocka-tocka” that mimics the sounds made when playing a piano—an instrument often associated with music and human connection. The repetition creates a lulling effect, capturing not only the physical motion but also evoking nostalgia for simpler times before technology had become so ingrained in our lives. The second stanza further establishes this idea through its use of onomatopoeia—the imitation of sounds using words—to capture both auditory and visual aspects of the mechanical piano being played by someone unseen: “Above him tangible plinks/ And tinkles ripple down like liquid notes from treetops". Here, Updike cleverly uses sound to connect us with something greater than just what can be seen; he brings us into this imaginary world where we can feel not only every single note that passes through air but also find ourselves deeply moved by its beauty despite its artificiality. The third stanza emphasizes these same ideas but adds an element of despair as it transitions into darker territory: "He listens sadly yet still loves/ The monotonous streaming runnel." Here, we are presented with two conflicting emotions: sadness at what has been lost due to technology while at the same time appreciation for what remains – a reminder that even though humanity may be diminished by technological advancements, there is still something beautiful within its soullessness that can be appreciated even amidst all losses. Finally, Updike ends his poem on an uplifting note by completing his transition from melancholic sadness to hopeful acceptance: "Wherefore do I love my lonely player / As if my fingers touched her keys?" In doing so, he reaffirms humanity's ability to forge meaningful connections regardless of their origin or nature; whether they come from plants or robotic machines does not matter because ultimately it is up to us individuals decide how much meaning those bonds hold for us personally. Overall John Updike masterfully succeeds in conveying his message about humanity versus technology using sound throughout his poem “Player Piano” . His use of onomatopoeia creates vivid imagery which captures both physical motions as well as emotional sentiments - transforming abstract concepts such as loneliness into palpable sensations felt deep within one's heart upon hearing certain notes reverberate through air - reminding readers everywhere that no matter how advanced society gets there will always remain things out there unquantifiable yet worthwhile enough worth cherishing until end comes around again.