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What are the poetic devices used in the poem I, Too?

What are the poetic devices used in the poem I, Too?

1 Answer

    • Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, suggesting a resemblance or analogy. It can be seen in the phrase, “I am the darker brother.”, which metaphorically conveys the speaker’s racial identity and also their experiences with racial discrimination.
    • Enjambment- Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, stanza, or verse. It is used in the poem.
    • Allusion- An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. The first line of the poem is a direct reference to Walt Whitman’s famous poem I Hear American Singing where Whitman describes all kinds of American identities that collectively make up the song of America.
    • Repetition- Repetition is the recurrence of words, phrases, or lines for emphasis or rhetorical effect. The repetition of “I, too” throughout the poem reinforces the speaker’s assertion of identity and presence, emphasizing their inclusion in the American experience.
    • Symbolism- Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often giving deeper meaning to the text. Here, the table symbolises the larger American society that tends to exclude the speaker and send him away.

    I, Too Summary

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