1. Metaphor: Metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unrelated things. In this poem, the speaker uses metaphor to liken her roles to different identities. For example, when she says, “I’m ‘wife’—I’ve finished that,” she metaphorically compares her identity as a wife to a completed task or state of being.
2. Personification: Personification is a literary device in which non-human objects or abstract concepts are given human attributes. While not as prominent in this poem, the line “I think that Earth feels so” personifies the Earth, suggesting it has feelings and emotions.
3. Symbolism: Symbolism involves the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In this poem, the terms “Wife” and “Woman” can be seen as symbols representing different aspects of the speaker’s identity and roles in society. “Wife” symbolizes her marital role, while “Woman” represents her broader identity.
4. Irony: Irony is the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite to their literal sense. The poem carries a sense of irony in the speaker’s declaration of being a wife and her dismissal of further comparison or analysis. The irony lies in her assertion that she is content and fulfilled with this role while using a somewhat dismissive tone.
5. Enjambment: Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause. It can create a sense of flow and connection between lines. An example in the poem is, “How odd the Girl’s life looks / Behind this soft Eclipse—.” The sentence continues seamlessly from one line to the next, emphasizing the speaker’s contemplation.

I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Summary

1. Imagery: Imagery involves the use of vivid and sensory-rich descriptions to create mental pictures for the readers. Examples include: “The Carriage held but just Ourselves”
2. Personification: Personification attributes human qualities and actions to non-human entities. In this poem, Death and Immortality are personified. For instance: “Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me”
3. Metaphor: Metaphors make comparisons between two, unlike things to create meaning. In the poem, the journey with Death is metaphorically compared to a carriage ride: “The Carriage held but just Ourselves – And Immortality.”
4. Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, creating rhythm and musicality. An example is: “The Roof was scarcely visible” (repetition of the “s” sound)
5. Symbolism: The poem uses symbols to represent abstract ideas. For example: The Carriage symbolizes the vehicle that transports the soul from life to death.
6. Enjambment: Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of a poem to the next without a pause. This creates a flowing and uninterrupted rhythm. For example: “We paused before a House that seemed A Swelling of the Ground –”
7. Repetition: The poem repeats certain phrases, such as “We passed,” to emphasize the passage of time and the various stages of life.

I cannot live without you Summary

“Crow Testament” by Sherman Alexie explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, historical trauma, change and adaptation, spirituality, community and gathering, acceptance of the unusual, complexity of experience, and human-animal connection. The poem highlights the importance of respecting and preserving the environment while acknowledging the complex nature of Native American existence. The presence of Crow and the powwow symbolizes the resilience and adaptability of Native American communities.

Crow Testament Summary

“Crow Testament” by Sherman Alexie explores the resilience and adaptability of Native American communities amidst historical trauma and a changing world. The poem highlights the importance of cultural identity, adaptation to change, spirituality, complexity of experience, and acceptance of the unusual within indigenous cultures. The poem encourages reflection on the complexities of indigenous existence and spirituality.

Crow Testament Summary