Whirligig Beetles and Requiem Summary

"Whirligig Beetles" describes the life and daily actions of these spinning, dizzy beetles. The two parts of the poem frequently overlap to create a sense of frenzy and chaos, which reflects the movement of the whirligig beetle. A great deal of imagery and expressive vocabulary is also used to describe the circular movements of these beetles, including merry-go-rounds, swerving, wheeling, arcs, and loops. It is also important to know that, according to these beetles, this round about and indirect way of moving is the best way to move. "Requiem" is a prayer to those insects who were killed by the first frost of the fall. The poet names many different insect species, paying respect to them at the time of their deaths.

Whirligig Beetles and Requiem Analysis

The first thing that one notices when turning the page...