Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was an influential American novelist, poet, and journalist known for his realistic portrayal of war and themes of fear, spiritual crisis, and social isolation. His poem 'The Heart' explores the notion of individual loneliness and the struggles faced in life, using vivid imagery and striking metaphors to convey a somber tone. The poem suggests that individuals must confront their own pain and bitterness, implying that true responsibility for happiness lies within oneself.

1. Stephen Crane November 1, 1871 – June 5, 1900 Carol Wolff

2. The Heart

3. Also Known as The Desert

4. Stephen Crane Born November 1, 1871, in Newark, New Jersey He began writing at the age of 4 By the time he was nine years old, both of his parents had died 1898- Crane moved to Sussex, England At the age of twenty-eight, Stephen Crane died on 5 June 1900

5. Stephen Townley Crane He was a novelist, short story writer, poet and journalist. Common themes involve fear, spiritual crisis and social isolation

6. War Correspondent Covered the Greco-Turkish War In Cuba, he covered the Spanish-American War He is the first American to portray war realistically from the point of view of the individual soldier not in a romantic way.

7. The Heart 1 st verse In the desert I saw a creature, naked, bestial, Who, squatting upon the ground, Held his heart in his hands, And ate of it.

8. The Heart 2 nd verse I said: "Is it good, friend?“ "It is bitter - bitter," he answered; "But I like it Because it is bitter, And because it is my heart."

9. Style free-verse poems clear concise language you see no or little rhyme or mechanics. striking metaphors and images, imagery is vivid Crane asks questions rather than providing answers.

10. Analysis cynical view sombre tone man is more a victim of his fate than a decider of it fate is really kind and frequently cruel.

11. My Opinion I believe this poem is saying that every individual is alone. We have to go through this world with its many difficulties, disappointments, and total strife. We eat away at ourselves by making constant compromises and sacrifices to our ideals in order to survive.

12. We can’t seem to be satisfied with who and what we are. Eating his heart could be a metaphor for the process of soul searching. What are you going to do with your pain, your bitterness, and trying to come to terms with your life? After all we are responsible for our own lives and our own happiness. Carol Wolff