Magnitude: Plot

Themes in “Magnitude: Plot”

The Uncontrollable Universe

  • The poem explores the vastness and unpredictable nature of the universe, symbolised by the introduction of a shooting star.
  • This serves to underline the uncontrollable aspects of life and the insignificance of human endeavours in the face of cosmic events.

Human Struggle and Perseverance

  • Despite the insurmountability of the universe, the speaker emphasises on the human struggle and perseverance.
  • This is especially depicted through the imagery of the speaker’s father trying to plot the unpredictable trajectory of the shooting star.

The Intersection of Science and Art

  • The poem further emphasizes on the connection between science and art.
  • The meticulous process of plotting stars reflects a scientific endeavour, yet it is undertaken with an artistic passion and wonder for the universe.

Linking “Magnitude: Plot” with Other Poems in Jacob Sam-La Rose’s Collection

  • Both “Magnitude: Plot” and “Stand Still” explore the passage of time within a vast universe.
  • Time in both these poems is portrayed as a somewhat uncontrollable and overwhelming concept.
  • Similar to “Song for a Spent 100w Bulb”, “Magnitude: Plot” invests emotional resonance in everyday occurrences.
  • Plotting a shooting star, like a bulb’s lifespan, shows the celebration of insignificant moments presented with an elevated significance.
  • Both poems underline the theme of human struggle and perseverance in the face of adversity.
  • The same emotional depth and intensity, seen in the breaking of the ‘totem’ in “Break”, can also be seen in the father’s efforts to plot the shooting star in “Magnitude: Plot”.