Analytical Response to Karl Shapiro's " The Conscientious Objector"

The power of poetry, to illustrate and develop images in the minds of the readers is greatly demonstrated by Karl Shapiro's poem, "The Conscientious Objector." Through his literary skill, Shapiro is able to develop the realistic mindset and perspective of a conscientious objector. Throughout the poem, Shapiro maintains the unique perspective of second person. He tells you what is happening and how you feel. This view is extremely effective in drawing the reader into the …

…the conclusion the conscious objector suffers in ways that may differ from the sufferings of a soldier, but are still sacrifices none the less. The reader must always remember that the objector is the soldier's counterpart, and his balance. Even the soldier, who hates the objector during the war, will eventually consider him heroic, because the feelings of disdain for war are what the soldier eventually develops and "come[s] back to in the armistice."