The poem is written in free-verse and thus follows no rhyme scheme. Crossing the Border Summary
The poem is written in free-verse and thus follows no rhyme scheme.
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The central idea of the poem is the subject of immigration and racial bias. The poem focuses on Native Indians seeking refuge in Canada. While the exact cause for their move remains implicit, the poet strongly refers to it. It vividly portrays the discrimination and prejudice Indigenous communitiesRead more
The central idea of the poem is the subject of immigration and racial bias. The poem focuses on Native Indians seeking refuge in Canada. While the exact cause for their move remains implicit, the poet strongly refers to it. It vividly portrays the discrimination and prejudice Indigenous communities have to face from white settlers. The Indians experience a profound sense of alienation and exclusion in America. They are met with disdain and contempt, often perceived as inferior or uncivilized. In an attempt to break free from this oppressive environment, the speaker and her family try to relocate to Canada, only to encounter similar racial prejudices from border guards.
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Enjambment - enjambment is when the line is continued onto the next line without any pause. In the poem, the poet uses enjambment in the beginning of the poem to create an internal link between the poem. Imagery- imagery is the use of words by a poet to paint a picture in the minds of the reader. ImRead more
- Enjambment – enjambment is when the line is continued onto the next line without any pause. In the poem, the poet uses enjambment in the beginning of the poem to create an internal link between the poem.
- Imagery- imagery is the use of words by a poet to paint a picture in the minds of the reader. Imagery can be of various types; tactile, olfactory, auditory, gustatory and visual. The poet uses imagery to create a visual image of the starlit night and the dark border.
- Alliteration – Alliteration is repetition of the same letter or sound in a line. In the poem the poet repeats /b/ sound in “Barney answers in broken”
- Simile- simile is used when the poet directly compares one thing to another by using the words “as” or “like”. In this poem, the poet uses simile in the lines “But Richard looks like he belongs/ like a Menominee would.” Here the poet directly compares Richard to a Menominee.
- Irony – irony is used when what the poet says is in contradiction to what they actually mean. In this poem, the poet uses irony when talking about the guard asking them of Alcohol and firearms. It is an ironic statement as both of these items were introduced by the colonizers themselves.
- Allusion – allusion is used when the words or phrases in a poem refer to something else. In this poem the poet references the Delaware Powwow event.
- Metaphor- metaphor is used when the poet makes an undercut comparison between two things without using the words “like” or “as”. In the, the poet compares the border of America to “the edge of this country”.
The poem revolves around the themes relating to immigration and racism. The poem talks about Native Indians immigrating to Canada. The reason is never disclosed but is indirectly brought forward. The poem talks about the discrimination and racism that Indigenous communities have to face at the handsRead more
The poem revolves around the themes relating to immigration and racism. The poem talks about Native Indians immigrating to Canada. The reason is never disclosed but is indirectly brought forward. The poem talks about the discrimination and racism that Indigenous communities have to face at the hands of white settlers. The Indians feel isolated and alienated in America. They are treated with disrespect and disgust. They are seen as inferior and savages. In order to escape the society the speaker and her family try to move to Canada and are met with the same racism at the border by the guards.
Crossing the Border Summary
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