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  1. The poem's opening image of a stale workspace and a recurrent case of night sweats represents emotional upheaval and creative block. The speaker bears the burden of a past self that was lost in childhood and feels imprisoned by the "bias of existing". There is a spark of transformation when "you" arRead more

    The poem’s opening image of a stale workspace and a recurrent case of night sweats represents emotional upheaval and creative block. The speaker bears the burden of a past self that was lost in childhood and feels imprisoned by the “bias of existing”. There is a spark of transformation when “you” arrive. Images of light, day, and dapples allude to possibility and awakening. The wife’s presence breaks down the barriers of hopelessness and provides consolation.

    Night Sweat Summary

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  1. In addition, the first fourteen lines rhyme with "ABBA CDCD EFEF GG." The author employs the rhyme system "ABABCDDC EFGFGE" in the succeeding sonnet. Night Sweat Summary

    In addition, the first fourteen lines rhyme with “ABBA CDCD EFEF GG.” The author employs the rhyme system “ABABCDDC EFGFGE” in the succeeding sonnet.

    Night Sweat Summary

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  1. The poem examines the state of humanity in the face of inner demons, creative worries, and the omnipresent shadow of death. Though hope is revealed through the relationship with "you," the conclusion is left open-ended, leaving the reader to wonder if the speaker will be able to find comfort and getRead more

    The poem examines the state of humanity in the face of inner demons, creative worries, and the omnipresent shadow of death. Though hope is revealed through the relationship with “you,” the conclusion is left open-ended, leaving the reader to wonder if the speaker will be able to find comfort and get past his difficulties. This precise tension—the desperate search for meaning and illumination under the shadow of self-doubt and anxieties—is the core of the idea.

    Night Sweat Summary

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  1. Imagery- In literary or lyrical contexts, imagery refers to an author's use of vivid language and description to arouse the reader's senses and enhance their comprehension of the work. "Creeping damp," "wilted white pajamas," "skulled horses whinny," "my child exploding into dynamite" - these createRead more

    • Imagery- In literary or lyrical contexts, imagery refers to an author’s use of vivid language and description to arouse the reader’s senses and enhance their comprehension of the work. “Creeping damp,” “wilted white pajamas,” “skulled horses whinny,” “my child exploding into dynamite” – these create a sense of physical and emotional discomfort, reflecting the speaker’s inner turmoil.
    • Personification- Personification is the literary or artistic technique of giving objects, abstract concepts, or living entities human attributes. Phrases like “creeping damp,” and “lighten my leaded eyelids.” These breathe life into objects and concepts.
    • Simile- A device of speech known as a simile that contrasts two unlike things. “Like” or “as” are frequently used as introductions to similes. “Your heart hops and flutters like a hare” – compares the wife’s heart to a lively animal, emphasizing its positive impact.
    • Metaphor- A metaphor is a literary device in which two objects are contrasted by pointing out their similarities. “Life’s Fever,” and “Night sweat is soaking in night sweat” – compare abstract concepts to concrete experiences.
    • Alliteration- The repeating of consonants at the start of words or stressed syllables is known as alliteration. “Wilted white” (w), and “dabble in the dapple” (d) – add texture and emphasize key phrases.

    Night Sweat Summary

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