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    Radhika

    Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. The woman's lips are described as "old scars, or the first red blisters," where the comparison suggests both physical wounds and emotional trauma. Symbolism- Symbolism is the usRead more

    • Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. The woman’s lips are described as “old scars, or the first red blisters,” where the comparison suggests both physical wounds and emotional trauma.

    • Symbolism- Symbolism is the use of symbols or objects to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In this poem, various elements like the lyncher’s rope, fagots, scars, and the scent of cane are symbolic, representing broader themes related to racial violence and oppression.

    • Alliteration- Alliteration involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. An example in the poem is “Breath—the last sweet scent of cane,” where the repetition of the “s” sound creates a rhythmic and sonorous effect.

    • Enjambment- Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry continues onto the next line without a pause or break in thought.

    • Simile- A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as.” In the poem, the comparison of the woman’s hair to a “lyncher’s rope” uses a simile to evoke a powerful and unsettling image.

    • Imagery- Imagery involves the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating a mental picture for the reader. In “Portrait in Georgia,” imagery is used to paint a detailed and evocative picture of the woman’s physical appearance and the aftermath of the lynching.

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    Radhika

    The poem addresses the racial segregation and marginalisation of African Americans mainly in the landscape of America. This struggle is symbolised by the speaker being sent to eat in the kitchen when company comes. As the poem provides a discourse on the African American identity, it also asserts thRead more

    The poem addresses the racial segregation and marginalisation of African Americans mainly in the landscape of America. This struggle is symbolised by the speaker being sent to eat in the kitchen when company comes. As the poem provides a discourse on the African American identity, it also asserts the speaker’s pride in being part of America. Despite facing discrimination, the speaker emphasizes their beauty and refuses to be marginalized. Thus, the speaker is resilient and assertive of their identity. Their ability to laugh, eat well, and grow strong in the face of adversity reflects perseverance and strength. This resilience becomes a source of empowerment and a means of resisting oppressive treatment. Lastly, the closing declaration, “I, too, am America,” asserts the speaker’s rightful place in the country and emphasizes a sense of unity. It challenges the notion that African Americans are somehow separate or excluded from the broader American identity.

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    Radhika

    The central idea of Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too" revolves around the themes of racial identity, resilience, and the quest for equality in American society. The poem poignantly addresses the discrimination faced by African Americans during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. The speaker, identifyinRead more

    The central idea of Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” revolves around the themes of racial identity, resilience, and the quest for equality in American society. The poem poignantly addresses the discrimination faced by African Americans during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. The speaker, identifying themselves as the “darker brother,” talks about the systematic oppression and exclusion that they, among other African American identities, have faced. Thus, the process of being sent to the kitchen when company comes symbolizes segregation and marginalization. Despite this mistreatment, the poem looks optimistically toward the future, envisioning a time when the speaker will no longer be excluded and will have a place at the table, signifying equality and inclusion.

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    Radhika

    Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, suggesting a resemblance or analogy. It can be seen in the phrase, "I am the darker brother.", which metaphorically conveys the speaker’s racial identity anRead more

    • Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, suggesting a resemblance or analogy. It can be seen in the phrase, “I am the darker brother.”, which metaphorically conveys the speaker’s racial identity and also their experiences with racial discrimination.

    • Enjambment- Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, stanza, or verse. It is used in the poem.

    • Allusion- An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. The first line of the poem is a direct reference to Walt Whitman’s famous poem I Hear American Singing where Whitman describes all kinds of American identities that collectively make up the song of America.

    • Repetition- Repetition is the recurrence of words, phrases, or lines for emphasis or rhetorical effect. The repetition of “I, too” throughout the poem reinforces the speaker’s assertion of identity and presence, emphasizing their inclusion in the American experience.

    • Symbolism- Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often giving deeper meaning to the text. Here, the table symbolises the larger American society that tends to exclude the speaker and send him away.

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    Radhika

    The poem delves into the theme of artistic inspiration and the choices a poet might face when seeking sources of creativity. Whitman contrasts the traditional subjects of great bards, including epic tales and tragic characters, with the more immediate and sensory inspiration from the sea. Hence, theRead more

    The poem delves into the theme of artistic inspiration and the choices a poet might face when seeking sources of creativity. Whitman contrasts the traditional subjects of great bards, including epic tales and tragic characters, with the more immediate and sensory inspiration from the sea. Hence, the poem shows how deeply connected the speaker is towards nature, especially the sea.  Whitman prefers the simple beauty of nature over the complex writings of famous people. The undulation of a single wave and the breath of the sea are valued more highly than the intricate and elaborate works of celebrated poets.

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    Radhika

    Had I the Choice by Walt Whitman explores the poet's profound reverence for the natural world, particularly the sea, and his reflection on the subject of true artistic inspiration. The central idea revolves around Whitman's hypothetical choice between emulating the greatest bards and poets in historRead more

    Had I the Choice by Walt Whitman explores the poet’s profound reverence for the natural world, particularly the sea, and his reflection on the subject of true artistic inspiration. The central idea revolves around Whitman’s hypothetical choice between emulating the greatest bards and poets in history, with their epic tales and intricate characters or surrendering those ambitions in favour of the raw, unfiltered beauty of the sea. The poem reflects Whitman’s transcendentalist philosophy, emphasizing the spiritual connection between humanity and nature. He suggests that the undulating waves and breath of the sea possess a transformative power that surpasses the elaborate works of even the most celebrated poets.

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    Radhika

    Alliteration- Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely positioned words. It can be seen in places like, “Its trick to me transfer” and ‘Homer with all his wars and warriors”. Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech that involves an implied compariRead more

    • Alliteration- Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely positioned words. It can be seen in places like, “Its trick to me transfer” and ‘Homer with all his wars and warriors”.

    • Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech that involves an implied comparison between two unlike things, highlighting similarities without using “like” or “as.”Whitman also uses metaphors when he speaks of Shakespeare’s “woe-entangled” characters as if they were caught up in a web of grief and unable to free themselves. He speaks of the “trick” of a wave, suggesting a sleight of hand perhaps, some hidden magic in the motion of the sea.

    • Personification- Personification is attributing human characteristics to non-human entities or abstract concepts. The sea is personified in the following lines, “Would you the undulation of one wave, its trick to me transfer,/ Or breathe one breath of yours upon my verse,/ And leave its odor there.”.

    • Apostrophe- In poetry, an “apostrophe” is a figure of speech in which the poet addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a non-human entity as if it were present and capable of responding. It can be seen in the line, “These, these, O sea, all these I’d gladly barter,”.

    • Enjambment- Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, stanza, or couplet. It can be seen in this poem and it makes the poem flow like the sea waves.

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      Radhika

      The central theme of the poem revolves around the speaker's profound sense of loss. The speaker attains the realisation of losing their beloved emotionally rather than pjysically. There is a great deal of alienation that the speaker and the woman feel towards each other. As the speaker describes theRead more

      The central theme of the poem revolves around the speaker’s profound sense of loss. The speaker attains the realisation of losing their beloved emotionally rather than pjysically. There is a great deal of alienation that the speaker and the woman feel towards each other. As the speaker describes the woman as a “Foreign Race” we see the extent to which they feel extranged from her. Lastly, the speaker talks about the true cost of devotion that they have to pay now. The speaker thus, talks about the consequences of such a big emotional change between two people involved in a relationship.

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