Elliptical

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 2002

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Summary

Background

Poem Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Symbols & Motifs

Ellipsis

The ellipsis punctuation mark (…) stands for what is omitted from the sentence, a trailing off of thoughts, or a hesitation to say more. In recent years, the ellipsis has become used more and more, like the exclamation point, sometimes to the point of overuse. In “Elliptical,” the ellipsis appears after each beginning phrase, a consistent symbol throughout the poem. It appears as if all three purposes for the ellipsis is present in the poem. The first phrase, “They just can’t seem to…” (Line 1), sets the tone that the speaker is unable to get out the words to describe what they cannot seem to do or is uncomfortable in doing so. Someone who is close to the speaker or shares similar values might be able to jump in and help out the speaker with the rest of the sentence.

Transitions

Transitions are words and phrases, primarily adverbs such as “certainly” and “sometimes,” that help link sentences together to show contrast between ideas, cause-and-effect, and additional thoughts, agreement, or examples. Transitions, particularly those that show contrast, are throughout “Elliptical,” mostly to emphasize how “we” respond or react to “them.” For example, at the end of Line 2, Mullen writes, “Once in a while they…” (Line 2). Then, she seems to want to contrast or contradict that with the beginning of Line 3, which starts with, “However it is obvious that they…” (Line 3). Also, in Line 6, Mullen writes about their limited point of view but then ends the line and begins the next with “On the / other hand” (Lines 6-7). Like the symbol of the ellipsis, Mullen is interested in the use of parts of speech, punctation, word choice, and more to explore what the usage of language can mean for the readers.

Pronouns

Pronouns take the place of nouns, sometimes resulting in a bit of ambiguity, as in the case of this poem. The primary pronouns in “Elliptical” are first-person collective “we/us” and third-person collective “they/them.” The groups that “we” and “they” represent are not directly identified. At the same time, the mere usage of these two groups of pronouns suggests opposing ideals and values with mostly “we” questioning, wondering about, and making exceptions for “them.” For example, “Nevertheless their / behavior strikes us as” (Lines 8-9) shows a clear example of “us” having an opinion about “their” actions. With the usage of the pronouns, readers can insert their own nouns to suggest groups and identities for “their” and “us,” such as “Nevertheless the children’s behaviors strike the parents as out of control,” or “Nevertheless the Democrats’ behavior strikes the Republicans as atypical.”