Using a well-known popular culture figure as the subject of a poem can be very effective, but it also has some negative effects. Reading the poem, it can be broadly approached in two ways. First, the advantage of using such an acclaimed figure can be seen as a sell-out of the field of English poetry. Rarely is poetry seen as the delivery method for pop-culture; the big screen or television is a more likely avenue. Yet, with the use of such a popular figure, the poem is much more engaging, much more receivable by the general public. A reader with little training or understanding of poetic devices, historical context and literary references can still appreciate and enjoy reading a poem about a popular fictional figure.

At the same time, using pop-culture as a basis for a poem doesn’t make the poem any less literary. Though there is more liberal use of colloquialism, it still paints a vivid picture. It offers strong writing, though not standard for prose. It is by no means weak of word choice nor does it display a lack of literary knowledge. It’s simply a different subject of attention.

Because it lacks the normal entrance points of analysis, scansion, rhyme scheme and structure, it offers a different angle of engagement. The use of pop-culture figures adds another dimension to the subject, because a reference point can be alluded to when beginning to read into the poem. For this particular example, Batman is the figure of this poem, but he is a defeated man exemplifying all that can go wrong with society. We know him as a powerful vigilante, who stands for all the right things. The author’s choice of subject gives more depth in analyzing the character than other characters may offer. Furthermore, the use of colloquialism and various cursing humanizes the character in a way that the big-screen often fails to portray. He suffers from what we suffer; connecting, understanding such a character may often prove easier than dissecting a bigger than life, complex character. Another angle is as a more active, readable poem. The actions in this poem can be read into more than imagery created. It’s a refreshing point of view.

 

Part 2

"Bond, James Bond"

To watch this man in action is a thrill.

No lady can resist him.

He is the man with a license to kill.

 

Twenty-two films and we haven’t our fill.

His style is most grim.

To watch this man in action is a thrill.

 

There is no match for his skill

To think, he kills on a whim.

He is the man with a license to kill.

 

The man never falls to ill will.

His deadliest match: a hat’s brim.

To watch this man in action is a thrill.

 

In him, our dreams fulfill.

His cause right, no act a sin.

He is the man with a license to kill.

 

Saving girls, he crashes through windows sills.

Killing villains, he tears them apart by limb.

To watch this man in action is a thrill.

He is the man with a license to kill.