Precis: "In the Well"

Andrew Hudgins’ “In the Well” describes the importance of the struggle that ultimately leads to the result, by using a suspenseful tone. He uses antithesis and setting to create his theme. In the beginning of the poem, words such as “darkness,” “blood,” “iron,” and “gagged” are used. These words discuss hardship and struggle. However, at the end of the poem, Hudgins contrasts with the words “light” and “breath,” which show how the struggle was all worth it. The task of finding the dog was difficult, but the result is what pays off. Hudgins makes the theme even more relatable by setting the story to the savior of a neighbor’s dog. The child goes into the dark well, but comes out with success. The setting of the well adds to the theme. Hudgins’ choice of setting and antithesis develop the idea that anything worth it in life takes hard work and some pain.