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  1. The speaker's observation of life via the window and the deep realizations that result from this viewpoint is central to the poem's theme. By acting as a barrier between the speaker and the outside world, the window encourages contemplation and introspection. At A Window Summary

    The speaker’s observation of life via the window and the deep realizations that result from this viewpoint is central to the poem’s theme. By acting as a barrier between the speaker and the outside world, the window encourages contemplation and introspection.

    At A Window Summary

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  1. The poem's central idea is the difficulties and paradoxes of human life. The speaker looks out the window and takes in all the many facets of life—joy, pain, beauty, and brutality. The poem examines themes of reflection, empathy, and the shared nature of human experiences through these observations.Read more

    The poem’s central idea is the difficulties and paradoxes of human life. The speaker looks out the window and takes in all the many facets of life—joy, pain, beauty, and brutality. The poem examines themes of reflection, empathy, and the shared nature of human experiences through these observations.

    At A Window Summary

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  1. Apostrophe: The poem begins with an apostrophe, as the speaker directly addresses the gods, who are personified as beings with the power to bestow blessings or hardships. Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "Give me" throughout the poem creates a rhythmic and emphatic effect. It emphasizes theRead more

    1. Apostrophe: The poem begins with an apostrophe, as the speaker directly addresses the gods, who are personified as beings with the power to bestow blessings or hardships.
    2. Repetition: The repetition of the phrase “Give me” throughout the poem creates a rhythmic and emphatic effect. It emphasizes the speaker’s desire for certain experiences and underscores the intensity of their plea.
    3. Imagery: The poem utilizes vivid imagery to evoke sensory experiences and emotions. Examples include “doors of gold and fame” and “breaking the long loneliness.” These images engage the reader’s senses and contribute to the overall atmosphere and mood of the poem.
    4. Metaphor: Metaphorical language is employed in lines such as “the changing shores of shadow” and “one little wandering, western star.” These metaphors add depth and symbolism, allowing for multiple layers of interpretation.
    5. Enjambment: The poem features enjambment, which is the continuation of a sentence or phrase without a pause at the end of a line. This technique creates a natural flow and rhythm, allowing ideas to flow seamlessly from one line to the next.
    6. Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds, typically at the beginning of words. Examples of alliteration in the poem include “little love,” “long loneliness,” and “dusk of day-shapes.” Alliteration adds musicality and emphasis to certain phrases, drawing attention to specific words or ideas.
    7. Symbolism: Symbolism is used in lines like “one little wandering, western star” to represent hope and guidance amid darkness. Symbolic language adds layers of meaning and invites readers to consider deeper interpretations.

    At A Window Summary

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  1. This answer was edited.

    Personification: Personification is the process of giving non-human things human traits (such as characteristics, feelings, and actions). For example, "Hog Butcher for the World, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler;Stormy, husky, brawling" Imagery: ImRead more

    1. Personification: Personification is the process of giving non-human things human traits (such as characteristics, feelings, and actions). For example,
      “Hog Butcher for the World,
      Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
      Player with Railroads and the Nation’s Freight Handler;
      Stormy, husky, brawling”
    2. Imagery: Imagery is the use of descriptive words to evoke one of the five senses. For example, “They tell me you are wicked and I believe them, for I have seen your painted women under the gas lamps luring the farm boys.

      And they tell me you are crooked and I answer: Yes, it is true I have seen the gunman kill and go free to kill again.
      And they tell me you are brutal and my reply is: On the faces of women and children I have seen the marks of wanton hunger.”

    3. Simile: Simile is the use of like, as, or than to compare two dissimilar things. For example, “Fierce as a dog with tongue lapping for action, cunning as a savage pitted against the wilderness”

      Chicago Summary

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  1. The poet's respect and enthusiasm for Chicago are expressed in the poem "Chicago." It presents the city as a large, thriving, and developing location and praises it for its visual appeal and thriving industry. The author addresses the city in the poem's opening lines by many names before debating peRead more

    The poet’s respect and enthusiasm for Chicago are expressed in the poem “Chicago.” It presents the city as a large, thriving, and developing location and praises it for its visual appeal and thriving industry. The author addresses the city in the poem’s opening lines by many names before debating people who point out its flaws. The poet responds to them, pointing out all the good things about the city as he observes it. Despite the city’s reputation as a hazardous place to live, its residents are happy to call it home.

     

    Chicago Summary

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  1. This answer was edited.

    The poem "Chicago" is a tribute to Chicago that highlights the city's strength and the bond between people and location. The speaker admits all of the criticisms of the city but contends that these critics are unaware of the city's genuine character. The poem's opening couplet and last line in partiRead more

    The poem “Chicago” is a tribute to Chicago that highlights the city’s strength and the bond between people and location. The speaker admits all of the criticisms of the city but contends that these critics are unaware of the city’s genuine character. The poem’s opening couplet and last line in particular make the link between people and location clear. Those who reside in “little soft cities” are the ones who only witness the violence and danger in Chicago. Chicago proudly takes the title of “Hog Butcher, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads, and Freight Handler to the Nation” in recognition of its people’s gritty, middle-class identity.  

    Chicago Summary

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  1. Following poetic devices have been used in the poem A Father to His Son: Metaphor- A metaphor directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. Example- “Life is a soft loam” Personification- Personification is a figure of speech in which an idea or thing is given human attributes and/or feelingsRead more

    Following poetic devices have been used in the poem A Father to His Son:

    1. Metaphor- A metaphor directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. Example- “Life is a soft loam”
    2. Personification– Personification is a figure of speech in which an idea or thing is given human attributes and/or feelings or is spoken of as if it were human. Examples- “lazy days”, “a world resenting change”
    3. Alliteration- It is the occurrence of the same sound at the beginning of closely connected words. Examples- “frail flower”, “whatever the white lies”
    4. Enjambment– It is the continuation of a sentence to multiple lines. Many of the sentences in this poem span multiple lines and are therefore of this nature.
    5. Repetition- It is the repetition of a word or a phrase in the poem for poetic effect. Throughout this poem, the phrase “Tell him” is repeatedly used to emphasize the poet’s instructions.

    Summary of the Poem a Father to His Son by Carl August Sandburg

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  1. Through this poem, the poet provides moral advice that a father might give his son. A father must tell his son to be both strong and gentle. He must not be greedy or waste time, and he must learn from his mistakes. Most of all, he must be true to himself so he can push forward and bring change to thRead more

    Through this poem, the poet provides moral advice that a father might give his son. A father must tell his son to be both strong and gentle. He must not be greedy or waste time, and he must learn from his mistakes. Most of all, he must be true to himself so he can push forward and bring change to the world. The poet provides us with many life lessons that anyone can follow to become a good and successful human being.

    Summary of the Poem a Father to His Son by Carl August Sandburg

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