Out of a cell into this darkened space —
The end at twenty-five!
My tongue could not speak what stirred within me,
And the village thought me a fool.
Yet at the start there was a clear vision,
A high and urgent purpose in my soul
Which drove me on trying to memorize
The Encyclopedia Britannica!
Frank Drummer
Analysis, meaning and summary of Edgar Lee Masters's poem Frank Drummer
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I’ve been reviewing this poem frequently and I believe that his description of his mental attributes sound a lot like those of Autism. His inability to speak, reputation as a fool, and his capacity for memorization are common among those with Autism. My brother, for instance, cannot speak, but is very intelligent. Sadly, though, you cannot see autism, so most people make harsh judgements about those with the disorder, like the inhabitants of Spoon River did to Frank.