1.Rhetorical Question:

A rhetorical question is a device used in the poem to not for the answer but to create effect in the minds of the readers. The poetess has used this device in the following instances.

“To what purpose, April, do you return again?” (Line 1)

The poet has begun the stanza with this rhetorical question. The speaker is addressing the month of “April” and asking this question.

It also occurs in following line

“But what does that signify?” (Line 10)

Again, the speaker of the poem is questioning the month of “April”.

2.Simile: 

A simile is a figure of speech which compares two unlikely things with the words like “as” or “like”. The poet has used this device in the following line.

“April

Comes like an idiot, babbling and strewing flowers.”

In this line, the poet has compared the month of April to an idiot.

3.Metaphor: 

Metaphor is a literary device where two unrelated objects are compared to each other. The poet has used this poetic device in the following line.

“An empty cup, a flight of uncarpeted stairs.”

The poet compares life with an “empty cup” and “a flight of uncarpeted stairs,”.

4.Symbolism: 

Spring is a symbol of rebirth in nature. So, the poet has used this term to signify the aftermath of world war. The poet has described the buried bodies in the underground. Yet, this spring season has made the surroundings smell good with her blooming flowers.

5.Anaphora: 

Anaphora is a literary device that uses the repetition of short phrases or single words at the beginning of clauses or sentences to enhance rhythm. The poet has used this device in the following lines.

“The sun is hot on my neck as I observe

The spikes of the crocus.

The smell of the earth is good.”

These lines begin with the same word, “The.” The poet has tried to enhance the rhythm in these lines.

Spring Summary

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