• Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in the same line. For example, sound /i/ in “The muscular one, and bid him whip”.

• Symbolism: Symbolism is using symbols to signify ideas and qualities, giving them symbolic meanings different from literal meanings. “Ice-cream” symbolizes opportunities that slip away from life. “Embroidered fantails” are the symbols of the vainness of earthly endeavors.

• Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line such as the sound of /r/ in “The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream” and the sound of /s/ in “Let the wenches dawdle in such dress”.

• Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line in quick succession such as the sound of /c/ in “In kitchen cups concupiscent curds.”

• Imagery: Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. For example, “Call the roller of big cigars”; “In kitchen cups concupiscent curds” and “And spread it so as to cover her face.”

• Enjambment: It is defined as a thought or clause that does not come to an end at a line break; instead, it moves over the next line. For example, “On which she embroidered fantails once/ And spread it so as to cover her face.”

The Emperor of Ice-Cream Summary

• Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /e/ in “Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame” and the sound of /o/ in “Past reason hunted; and, no sooner had.”

• Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line in quick succession, such as the sound of /t / in “to make the taker mad.”

• Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /w/ in “All this the world well knows; yet none knows well,” and the sound of /r/ in “Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream.”

• Enjambment: It is defined as a thought in verse that does not come to an end at a line break; rather, it rolls over to the next line. For example; “Past reason hunted; and, no sooner had/ Past reason hated as a swallowed bait/ On purpose laid to make the taker mad;”

• Imagery: Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. William Shakespeare used imagery in this poem, such as; “Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream”, “On purpose laid to make the taker mad” and “Savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust.”

• Irony: Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. The poet has used this device in the ending lines of the poem, where he feels pity on mankind by displaying the weak side of human nature; “All this the world well knows; yet none knows well/ To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell.”

• Metaphor: It is a figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between objects different in nature. The poet has used lust as an extended metaphor to show its power and negative impacts on human beings.

• Symbolism: Symbolism is using symbols to signify ideas and qualities, giving them symbolic meanings that are different from the literal meanings. The poem shows symbols such as love, lust, intimacy, and shame.

Sonnet 129 Summary

Langston Hughes’ “Ballad of the Landlord” examines the inequity and oppression experienced by African Americans in a racially separated society. The poem emphasizes the challenges and abuse experienced by the marginalized population by highlighting the power relations between a black renter and a white landlord. The poem reveals the harsh realities of poverty, housing discrimination, and institutional racism through vivid imagery and strong language. The tenant confronts the landlord and requests fair treatment in the poem, which also addresses resistance and the pursuit of justice.

Ballad of the Landlord Summary