Introduction
Childhood is an essential period in the life of every person. It is a time when a personality and mentality are formed. A child is socialized through family, friends, and school, and in many cases, these experiences might be difficult. They can hurt a person and result in trauma that would remain topical for many years later.
Thus, Eileen Pollack remembers her childhood and the experiences she had during her school years. Her essay Pigeons shows how uncomfortable and stressed she felt in her youth. Using symbolism, juxtaposing herself with her classmates, and reflecting on her challenges, the author narrates her story to demonstrate that unpleasant experiences can become an integral part of a person’s personality and harm them. Still, it is vital to move forward and succeed.
Essay Review
In the text, Pollack uses the potent symbol of pigeons, who represent all pupils who study at that school. The comparison becomes clear at the end, when the author says she can tell “stories of all those poor pigeons who didn’t make it out of school alive” (Pollack 122). The line reveals the symbolism of these birds and their role in the essay. Moreover, Pollack regrets that “the pigeons, like me, couldn’t find a way “(118). It shows that the little girl compared herself to them; she was lost and unhappy. Her young years were difficult, and she was not free in her desires.
Furthermore, Pollack juxtaposes herself against other students by emphasizing her otherness and detachment. She remembers, “My status as the smartest girl, coupled with my complete disregard for other people’s feelings and my lack of social grace, would have made me a pariah anyway” (Pollack 118). The phrase helps to understand how the girl felt and her inability to be part of the class. Moreover, she explains her boredom as many students “could barely read or write” (Pollack 118). These lines are essential as they convey the extreme loneliness of the girl, who had to adapt to others who were too different and hated her because of her position.
Therefore, upon reading Pollack’s reflection on her childhood, it is possible to assume that the primary purpose of the essay is to demonstrate that the past can be frustrating; however, it is vital to move forward and succeed. She was depressed during her school years and refused to finish courses in math. However, she emphasizes that “I studied those courses on my own and got accepted to Yale, where I earned a degree in physics.” (Pollack 122). She managed to achieve success and overcome all difficulties. At the moment, she does not feel anger; however, she is sad because of the children who were miserable and who had to overcome all those difficulties to become successful or even survive.
Conclusion
Altogether, Pigeons by Eileen Pollack is a powerful story that depicts the life of a girl who is different from the others surrounding her. She felt trapped within the school and became bored, which led to her misbehavior. However, she was not alone, as other children were unhappy too.
Pollack uses the symbol of pigeons to convey the idea that children want to find their way and live. At the same time, she juxtaposed herself with other students, as she was perceived as too bright and isolated. Reflecting on her past, Pollack reveals that she was often sad and frequently disregarded by other children. However, the main aim of the essay is to prove that difficulties can be overcome, while sad memories and regrets will inevitably remain.
Work Cited
Pollack, Eileen. “Pigeons.” The Best American Essays 2013, edited by Cheryl Strayed, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013, pp. 113-122.