The Planned Event

The “Planned” Event: The Importance of Tone Examining a poem in detail can bring out new meanings and ideas. Through careful analysis, the true meaning of a poem can be revealed. Sharon Olds’ poem, “The Planned Child” (824) is an example of interpretation and meaning becoming more evident after analysis. In the poem the speaker’s attitude changes from animosity, to uncertainty, then to appreciation. The poet illustrates these attitude changes through use of description and …

…enough, for her, without me” (lines 19 and 22). “The Planned Child” accentuates the changing attitudes the speaker has about her conception and birth. In the poem, Olds combines description and diction to portray the speaker’s attitudes of animosity, uncertainty, and appreciation. She also uses simple jargon to illustrate these attitude changes. Therefore, “The Planned Child” illustrates that a normal everyday interaction with a friend can turn an attitude of hate into an attitude of appreciation.