William Williams explores tenderness, nostalgia, and nature in “The Red Wheelbarrow.” He views the wheelbarrow as a vital instrument that helps farmers and rural communities survive and provide for their families. He portrays the wheelbarrow as an object of great significance and expresses astonishment at its many applications and constant presence. Williams is urging the reader to recognize the importance of things that we typically take for granted by encouraging them to look closely at the wheelbarrow.

The Red Wheelbarrow Summary

1. Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /a/ in “glazed with rain” and the sound of /i/ in “beside the white.”
2. Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /t/ in “beside the white.”
3. Imagery: Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. William Carlos Williams used imagery in this poem, such as “a red wheel / barrow”, “glazed with rain” and “beside the white /chicken.”
4. Symbolism: Symbolism is using symbols to signify ideas and qualities, giving them symbolic meanings that are different from the literal meanings. The poem shows symbols, such as red and white colors symbolize labor, peace, and the fruit of labor.

The Red Wheelbarrow Summary