Main Character in the Night Time in Dance Russe by William Carlos Williams

Some people feel nervous or unsure during the night time because the feeling of being alone in the dark can be scary to certain people. However, for others, the night time, when everything is silent, can be a welcomed break from the busyness of everyday life. William Carlos Williams contrasts a calming setting with disconnected streams of thought to convey the sense of inner-peace and serenity and subsequent disconcertion that the main character feels during the night-time in Dance Russe. Williams starts the poem by introducing the speaker’s wife, daughter, and newborn baby. He makes it clear they are all asleep and the speaker is effectively alone in the house at the moment.

This sense of feeling completely alone can either be very calming or very disconcerting depending on who you are. For the speaker, it becomes clear it is the former. From the very first lines of the poem we are instantly introduced to the speaker as a family man essentially alone in his house while everyone else is asleep. We can assume he is happy with this change of pace. While everyone is asleep the responsibilities he his called upon to take on everyday are minimized. Thus, he knows he need not worry about being called upon for anything at this moment. From here, the speaker moves on to describe the way the sun is coming through the shades.

He uses metaphor and imagery through the explanation of the sun as a “flame-white disc in silken mists”. Then he continues by further describing the scene outside almost wistfully. This suggests he may have some desire to escape the house both figuratively and literally. Almost as abruptly as this description of the outdoors started, the speaker ends his depiction of the outdoors.

Effectively cutting himself off mid thought, he returns to the hypothetical “if I” with which he started the poem. It seems as if he had to remind himself to stay inside the house mentally and physically. His description of the setting started to shift as his focus strayed from the house to his wanting out. From here the poem shifts to his description of his room and his mirror. The way he begins both this line and the first line of the poem tells a lot about his sense of individuality. Though previously mentioning his wife, he describes the north room as his. He removes himself from the rest of his family by identifying it in this way. While describing the way he dances naked in front of the mirror he emphasizes the word “grotesquely” with quotation marks. This implies someone, presumably his wife, has described this habit of his as such. While dancing in the mirror he would sing about his loneliness.

This connects back to the disconnect between his thoughts throughout this poem. He starts the poem by presenting us with information about three others in the house with him. Yet, he still says he is lonely. Perhaps the most interesting and revealing line in the poem, he then says “I am best so”. He openly admits his desire to be alone and recognizes he is able to be himself only when completely alone. He is content on his own while his family is asleep. After this very revealing admission from the speaker, he returns to the “if I” theme he has used throughout the poem. He continues to describe with vanity his admiration of all his various body parts.

This perhaps represents his full vulnerability in his state of complete nudity. In the next line he returns to his pattern of disconnected thoughts by returning to the description of the shades. Almost exactly like before, he cuts himself off mid-thought as his mind starts to drift to the outdoors again. He knows he must keep his thoughts and descriptions on his house only. There is a line break here as if he is gathering his thoughts after the misstep in his train of thought. The poem closes with him describing himself as the “happy genius of my own household”. He uses both I and my in this last line returning to that feeling of solidarity and loneliness even with the presence of his family within the house. This poem creates a vivid depiction of the disconnect between thoughts due to conflicting feelings about night-time while others are asleep.

Calculate the price
Make an order in advance and get the best price
Pages (550 words)
$0.00
*Price with a welcome 15% discount applied.
Pro tip: If you want to save more money and pay the lowest price, you need to set a more extended deadline.
We know how difficult it is to be a student these days. That's why our prices are one of the most affordable on the market, and there are no hidden fees.

Instead, we offer bonuses, discounts, and free services to make your experience outstanding.
How it works
Receive a 100% original paper that will pass Turnitin from a top essay writing service
step 1
Upload your instructions
Fill out the order form and provide paper details. You can even attach screenshots or add additional instructions later. If something is not clear or missing, the writer will contact you for clarification.
Pro service tips
How to get the most out of your experience with MyhomeworkGeeks
One writer throughout the entire course
If you like the writer, you can hire them again. Just copy & paste their ID on the order form ("Preferred Writer's ID" field). This way, your vocabulary will be uniform, and the writer will be aware of your needs.
The same paper from different writers
You can order essay or any other work from two different writers to choose the best one or give another version to a friend. This can be done through the add-on "Same paper from another writer."
Copy of sources used by the writer
Our college essay writers work with ScienceDirect and other databases. They can send you articles or materials used in PDF or through screenshots. Just tick the "Copy of sources" field on the order form.
Testimonials
See why 20k+ students have chosen us as their sole writing assistance provider
Check out the latest reviews and opinions submitted by real customers worldwide and make an informed decision.
Human Resources Management (HRM)
excellent
Customer 452773, July 11th, 2023
Business and administrative studies
Thank you for your hard work and help
Customer 452773, February 21st, 2023
Nursing
Impressive writing
Customer 452547, February 6th, 2021
Business and administrative studies
Excellent job
Customer 452773, March 9th, 2023
Business and administrative studies
Thank you for your hard work and effort. Made a 96 out of 125 points Lacked information from the rubic
Customer 452773, October 27th, 2023
Leadership Studies
excellent job
Customer 452773, August 3rd, 2023
Business and administrative studies
Thanks
Customer 452773, March 3rd, 2023
management
Did an excellent job once the instructions werre followed
Customer 452773, October 31st, 2024
Social Work and Human Services
Although it took 2 revisions I am satisfied but I did receive it late because of that.
Customer 452603, March 25th, 2021
Business and administrative studies
Thank you for your hard work
Customer 452773, October 19th, 2023
Marketing
excellent work
Customer 452773, September 25th, 2024
Marketing
Thank you for correcting the work and using the template provided
Customer 452773, October 10th, 2024
11,595
Customer reviews in total
96%
Current satisfaction rate
3 pages
Average paper length
37%
Customers referred by a friend
OUR GIFT TO YOU
15% OFF your first order
Use a coupon FIRST15 and enjoy expert help with any task at the most affordable price.
Claim my 15% OFF Order in Chat
Close

Sometimes it is hard to do all the work on your own

Let us help you get a good grade on your paper. Get professional help and free up your time for more important courses. Let us handle your;

  • Dissertations and Thesis
  • Essays
  • All Assignments

  • Research papers
  • Terms Papers
  • Online Classes