‘Two’s company’ by Raymond Wilson shows human weaknesses in a very humorous way.” How is it done?

The poem "Two's Company" by Raymond Wilson employs various humorous techniques to expose human weaknesses, particularly our tendency to succumb to fear and paranoia. Wilson masterfully blends exaggeration, irony, satire, unexpected twists, and vivid language to create a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of our vulnerabilities.

Exaggeration

Wilson exaggerates the speaker's fear and paranoia to create a comical effect. The speaker's initial bravado in dismissing ghosts is sharply contrasted with his later actions, such as hiding in a cupboard and clutching a poker. This juxtaposition of the speaker's words and actions highlights the absurdity of his behavior and underscores the power that fear can have over us.

Irony

The poem is filled with irony, playing on the contrast between the speaker's beliefs and his actions. The speaker, who claims to be unafraid of ghosts, is the one who is ultimately scared by his own imagination. Wilson's use of irony adds layers of humor to the poem while simultaneously exposing the speaker's self-deception and lack of self-awareness.

Satire

Wilson uses satire to poke fun at human gullibility and our tendency to believe in the supernatural. The speaker's insistence on spending the night in a haunted house despite his friends' warnings is a prime example of this satire. Wilson's humorous portrayal of the speaker's irrational behavior serves as a gentle critique of our willingness to believe in things that defy logic and reason.

Unexpected Twists

The poem takes unexpected turns, adding to the humor and highlighting the speaker's irrational behavior. For example, the speaker's fear of ghosts leads him to hide in a cupboard, only to find himself face-to-face with a real ghost. These unexpected twists keep the reader engaged and further emphasize the absurdity of the speaker's situation.

Wordplay and Imagery

Wilson uses vivid language and imagery to create a humorous picture of the speaker's predicament. For instance, the description of the hunchback moon and the screech owls calling sets the stage for a spooky atmosphere, while the speaker's attempts to defend himself with a poker add to the absurdity of the situation. Wilson's skillful use of language enhances the poem's comedic effect while simultaneously conveying the speaker's growing fear and paranoia.

Conclusion

"Two's Company" effectively uses humor to expose human weaknesses. Wilson's exaggerated characters, ironic situations, unexpected twists, and vivid language make the poem a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of our susceptibility to fear and paranoia. By exaggerating human flaws in a humorous way, Wilson encourages us to reflect on our own tendencies and to approach our fears with a sense of self-awareness and understanding.