Meaning of "Roy's Keen" by Morrissey
In "Roy's Keen," Morrissey uses the character of Roy the window cleaner to explore themes of dedication, professionalism, and the admiration for hard work. Roy is depicted as a reliable and skilled worker, always smiling and performing his job with precision. The narrator's admiration for Roy's commitment to his work can be seen as a reflection of the importance of diligence and excellence in one's craft. The analogy of the ladder as a planet, Roy as a star, and the narrator as a satellite highlights the hierarchy and symbiotic relationship between the hardworking individual (Roy) and those who orbit around him (the narrator). The repeated mention of not being able to see something right under one's nose could be a metaphor for missing the obvious or failing to appreciate the dedication and effort of others.