Beethoven by Shane Koyczan
Beethoven by Shane Koyczan Section 1: Abusive Childhood and Forced Genius (“Listen. / His father made a habit out of hitting him… Beethoven.”) Paraphrase: The poet begins by asking the reader to listen carefully. Beethoven’s father was violent and abusive. Like some men who drink, shout, or beat their children, he did all three. His cruelty came from a desire to make his son a genius. Beethoven grew up in a home where his name had no value and kindness had to be earned. Only flawless music could win approval. Each perfect note had to rise heavenward, as if pleasing angels, yet even that was not enough. Beethoven, a child who already had hearing problems, poured immense passion into his music but received no mercy. Section 2: Relentless Practice and Constant Rejection (“Who heard his father’s anthem… it was NOT GOOD ENOUGH.”) Paraphrase: Whenever Beethoven touched the piano keys, he heard his father’s harsh judgment telling him he was inadequate. He tried playing slowly, softl...