Disconnect— Repetition in Daniel Halls ‘Souvenir’

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Human interaction is forged by languages and the ability to communicate and commiserate with others is a foundation of our everyday lives. In Daniel Hall’s ghazal ‘Souvenir’ he outlines the confusion and disconnect brought about by language barriers while also providing a sense of mysticism around the idea that we may one day become connected.

Through the repetition of ‘in my language’ the author reiterates that the main character feels a sense of detachment from those around them. By saying “what he implied in his, I inferred in my language” it is understood that although they are separated by word they are still trying to build a connection (Finch 215). The confusion continues between the individuals as we read “did he clear his throat? Did rain fall? Can there really be a singing bird in my language” (Finch 215). Here, the speaker continues to elucidate that all of the sounds coming from outside of their language seem unfamiliar to them and cannot be understood.

There is a sense of built up frustration that continues to rise as the poem goes on. The speaker feels confused as they compare the other person speaking in their tongue to “a bell rung, a distant bell, whose very speech was slurred” (Finch 215). This can be a common feeling many have; not understanding someone and having their words feel fuzzy to you, “slurred” as the speaker says.

As stated in the beginning, although there is concern for the disconnect of individuals through language barriers, there is still hope to become linked one day. Although not explicitly stated — the reader feels as though that is the somber hope the speaker is putting forth.

Finch, Annie, and Kathrine Varnes. An Exaltation of Forms: Contemporary Poets Celebrate the Diversity of Their Art. University of Michigan Press, 2002.