what is the literary devices in the poem father to son Related: Poem...
The poet, Elizabeth Jennings has used following poetic devices in the poem:
Metaphor
‘Yet have I killed
The seed I spent or sown it where
The land is his and none of mine?’
In the above given lines the poetic devices used is metaphor.
The words ‘seed’, ‘sown’, and ‘land’ are metaphors for the father’s effortsthat he made to build loving relationship with his son, and the son’s heart respectively.
In another line ‘I would have Him prodigal, returning toHis father’s house’ the poetic device used is metaphor.
Alliteration
In the lines ‘The seed I spent or sown it where’, and ‘Silencesurrounds us’ the poetic device used is alliteration.
Simile
In expression ‘We speak like strangers’ the poetic device used is ‘simile’.
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what is the literary devices in the poem father to son Related: Poem...
The literary devices used in the poem "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings include:
SIMILE:
In the poem, the poet uses similes to create vivid imagery and enhance the reader's understanding. For example, she compares the father's hands to "two grey birds" and the son's hands to "burned-out cauldrons" to convey the idea of weariness and exhaustion.
PERSONIFICATION:
The poet personifies various elements to give them human characteristics. For instance, she personifies time by saying it has "a creaking door and a sound of feet," emphasizing its impact on human lives. This device helps to create a sense of connection between the reader and the abstract concept being personified.
REPETITION:
Repetition is used in the poem to emphasize certain ideas and create a rhythmic effect. The phrase "Do not be afraid" is repeated multiple times throughout the poem, highlighting the father's concern for his son and his desire to impart wisdom and reassurance.
SYMBOLISM:
Symbolism is employed to convey deeper meaning beyond the literal interpretation of the words. The father's hands, which symbolize experience and wisdom, represent the guidance and support he offers to his son. The "short afternoon" symbolizes the fleeting nature of youth and emphasizes the importance of making the most of one's time.
ENJAMBMENT:
Enjambment is used in the poem to create a sense of continuity and flow. The lines do not end with punctuation, allowing the thoughts and ideas to spill over from one line to the next. This technique mirrors the natural cadence of speech and enhances the poem's conversational tone.
ALLUSION:
The poem makes an allusion to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, referring to the "dust" from which the father and son are made. This allusion adds a layer of depth to the poem and suggests a universal theme of the passing of wisdom and knowledge from one generation to the next.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Jennings employs various literary devices in "Father to Son" to enhance the poem's meaning and create a rich and engaging reading experience. These devices include simile, personification, repetition, symbolism, enjambment, and allusion.
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