Within this chapter of Nine Gates, Hiershfield details the task often assumed by many twentieth century poets that is the task of choosing to look at and explore the part of the human experience that is most difficult to see, what Carl Jung called, the shadow by means of new subject matter and technique. The shadow, to put it simply, can be described as deeper and darker emotion such as sorrow, anger, chaos, passion and that sort. I felt that this poem by Duy Doan entitled "Engagement Ring" played upon this idea expressed within the chapter. The shadow of this poem is encompassed within the animate object the poem is titled after. The engagment ring being alluded to, seemingly a symbolism of disillusionment or tarnished romantic relationship.