biography | outline | literary terms | links | works cited | literary criticism | activities | poetry presentation web | poem text

Biographical Approach:

As Mr. Williams was a doctor, and in fact did an internship at the Child's Hospital in new York in 1909, he aided several women in birthing their children. As a result of these experiences, he grew to have a respect for women's courage, and it is evident, even when he is discussing women in a whore house that he still has a realistic view of them, as opposed ot biased. He does not discount them because of their image or their occupation. He also tends to span his entire heritage throughout "The Desert Music". His wife, Flossie is with him wherever he goes in Texas throughout his journey to find the source of the music. His mother, a painter, influenced Williams greatly in the arts. After dabbling briefly with different modes of art, he places the strong influence of music in his poem. He concludes the piece with the significance of an artist's soul.

Reader Response Approach:

One thinks of a hobo when considering the introduction. A times to my mind, i would consider a homeless person more artfully inclined simple because they see so much of the world, even politically incorrect happenings. It bodes for their minds to be more open and therefore more flexible. This creates the fictional character that can carry the music through the poem and the region. the poet catches it, and is unashamed b y the end of the poem. He comes to the understanding that being a poet is a one of a kind opportunity, and he should flaunt it, and use his talent to enlighted the rest of the world. He journeys through the region experiencing different kinds of social situations, but always hears the music in the desert. He tried to politely ignore it for a while, but in our own life, we know that as much as we put off a great realization, the more important it becomes. He eventually heard nothing but the music. He had to take hold of what his sould knew to be true. There was no more lying to or stifling himself. (48-49) I think of faith in such a situation. Music has always been a part of me, and I would never try to cap it, but faith is something that can seem to be lost when fighting forces darken part of your life.

When traveling back, and crossing the border of Juarez and El Paso, after a tour, Williams was struck by the sight of a hobo huddled up a gainst the ironwork of a bridge, asleep. From this image, and his journey back home, came "The Desert Music".