
The Last 5 Minutes ENGL3003 - Open Reading (Adv poetry)
Strong emotion has always inspired my best poetry. I included this piece in my final anthology to convey the pain I feel as a writer. The goal of the original assignment was to focus heavily on metaphor usage and to experiment with imagery, making the words not just read, but seen.
The Last 5 Minutes
The Last 5 Minutes : Original Text
Enjoy the written psychological
analysis of this poem:
This poem delves into the complex interplay of desire, memory, and emotional attachment, offering a poignant portrayal of psychological processes that underlie human relationships. From a psychoanalytic standpoint, several key themes emerge:


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Defense Mechanisms:
The poem suggests the use of defense mechanisms, such as repression and displacement, to cope with the pain of separation and loss. The speaker's inability to fully process or integrate their feelings leads to fragmented memories and contradictory emotions. By focusing on superficial distractions (artificial sweetener, nicotine patches), the speaker attempts to numb the underlying anguish and fill the void left by the absence of the loved one.
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Attachment Theory:
There is an intense longing for the object of their affection reflects attachment bonds formed earlier in life. Drawing from attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, we can interpret the speaker's desperate attempts to hold onto memories and sensations associated with the person as indicative of an insecure attachment style. The hoodie serves as a transitional object, providing comfort and security reminiscent of early caregiver relationships.

Defense Mechanisms:
The poem suggests the use of defense mechanisms, such as repression and displacement, to cope with the pain of separation and loss. The speaker's inability to fully process or integrate their feelings leads to fragmented memories and contradictory emotions. By focusing on superficial distractions (artificial sweetener, nicotine patches), the speaker attempts to numb the underlying anguish and fill the void left by the absence of the loved one.