Passage Analysis

“WHAT OF FAME?

everyone knows ure Face

The world screams ure name

Never again R u Alone” (21).

Above: Tupac Shakur's original non-typed poem What of Fame.

In the poem What Of Fame, Tupac Shakur shows that he understands the fine print of fame.  Literally, Mr. Shakur is trying to state that it is enjoyable to be known by all, but once one becomes eminent, they will never have privacy ever again.  

This poem foreshadows the rest of the book.  This is because it indicates that Tupac has accepted his fame.  Because of his acceptance, the topics in the rest of his poems change throughout the remainder of the book.  For instance, all of the poems after What of Fame are about fame, love, and Tupac slowly discovering the injustices in the world, instead of being solely about his city and friends.  This poem also shows the literary device of tone.  By using diction, Mr. Shakur is able to portray his opinion on fame in a powerful way.  For instance, he uses very strong words such as never and everyone, instead of just writing will not or almost everyone.  Lastly, this poem is a metaphor.  This is because Mr. Shakur compares two unlike things together:  his new life and being famous.  Through his definition of fame, Tupac Shakur is actually describing the sensation of his newfound celebrity life.  For example, Mr. Shakur states, "Never again R u Alone" (21).  By stating this, Tupac Shakur is trying to express that because of his newfound fame, whether it is the paparazzi or just crazed fans, he is always being followed by someone and never has any privacy.

What Of Fame is one of the most important poems in the book.  This is because Mr. Shakur finally realizes that he is famous and that he has many new responsibilities.  Moreover, this poem represents a turning point in his book.  For instance, after What of Fame, all of the other pieces written after discuss Tupac dealing with fame, women and the problems in society more so than his friends and hometown.