1. Imagery: Imagery is the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating a mental image for the reader. For example, the lines “The rubber cowl of a mud-splasher / Skirting the front mudguard” create a visual image of the bicycle.
2. Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of objects, characters, or situations to represent abstract ideas or qualities. The police constable in the poem symbolizes authority and power, while the boy’s fear and vulnerability symbolize the impact of authority on individuals.
3. Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. For example, the lines “Small guilts and sat / Imagining the black hole” use alliteration with the “s” sound.
4. Enjambment: Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause or punctuation. This technique creates a sense of flow and rhythm. For example, “His boot pushed off / And the bicycle ticked, ticked, ticked” is enjambed.
5. Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unrelated things to highlight their similarities. For instance, “summer’s blood” is a metaphor for the sweet and juicy taste of the blackberry.
6. Personification: Personification is a literary device in which human qualities are attributed to non-human entities. In the line “The fruit fermented, the sweet flesh would turn sour,” the fruit is personified as if it has the ability to ferment and turn sour.
7. Repetition: Repetition is the use of a word, phrase, or idea for emphasis or to create a rhythmic effect. In the poem, the word “ticked” is repeated to emphasize the sound of the bicycle.
8. Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words. For example, “milk cans, pea tins, jam-pots” uses assonance with the “i” sound.
9. Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words. For example, “whisper at their own distress” uses consonance with the “s” sound.

A Constable Calls Summary