Elliptical

“Elliptical” shows a division between two groups through the simple use of pronouns: we versus them. The first line of the poem already sets the tone of tension: “They just can’t seem to…” (Line 1). When someone processes an argument and wants to state their reasons, it is natural to start with what the other person is doing that someone does not like. Because of the artistic choice to show “our” perspective, it feels as if the “we” group is of a lower social status and trying to determine the behaviors of the group of higher status, as is the case of the racist, classist, and feminist issues that influence Mullen’s writing. Words like “entitled” in the phrase “On the / other hand they obviously feel entitled to…” (Lines 6-7) also add to the interpretation that the two groups are not on equal footing. It is difficult to state this interpretation, though, with 100% certainty, given that the poem does not show the “they” group’s point of view. The poet does not seem interested or able at this time in showing the reader the other side. While the poem does dart back and forth, giving the “they” group credit occasionally while directly pointing at problems at other times, showing an ultimate state of flux, the “we” group does not ever come to any sort of decision that would suggest unity or cohesion by the poem’s end.