ipl-logo

Figurative Language In Mary Oliver's 'Journey'

494 Words2 Pages

Jorge Navarro
Per.3
3/13/17 Many authors use figurative language to interpret an objective that may not be understood because of its indefinite nature, and to illustrate the theme. In the poems, "Journey", by Mary Oliver, and "La Belle", by John Keits, both use connotative language that express how to stay strong when under pressure and the importance of independance, as well as things not always being what they seem. In both pieces of poetry, the authors use various forms of figurative language to promote the current theme, such as in Oliver's and Keits poem, they both utilize symbolism throughout their poems. Eventually, both authors inform their reader's that they should never be discouraged by the road ahead, and not depend on others. To begin with, in Mary Oliver's poem, "Journey" the author expresses the theme of being able to work well under pressure by the use of symbolism. For instance, Oliver uses symbols to convey a significance to her poem, as she states, "...the road full of fallen branches and stones"(S.1 V.21-22). Oliver uses "branches and stones" as a motif to try and help prove the theme by stating …show more content…

To demonstrate, Keits foreshadows the "faery's child" as he writes, "I met a lady in the meads full beautiful, a faery's child..."(Q.4 V.13-15). The "faery's child" is a faery, and has traits of being unreal, and magical which portrays that the "faery's child" love for the knight can be insubstantial. The author further emphasizes, how a "lily" represents death as he cites, "I see a lily on thy brow..."(S.3 V.9). Keats designates how the "lily", although beautiful, assumes the role of death, implying that the beauty of the "lily" could be decieving. Ultimately, the author implies the importance of knowing the realistic qualities of a person's side instead of not knowing who one really

Show More
Related

Gary Paulsen Winterdance Metaphors

615 Words | 3 Pages

He eventually moves to Alaska and wants to run the Iditarod. He tells his stories and explains his relationships with the dogs. He explains the struggles using the literary concepts of symbols, theme, and metaphors to expand the reader’s understanding or the text. Symbol is an object representing something else. It is a concept or idea that uses something else to show it.

Read More

Symbolism In A Worn Path By Eudora Welty

292 Words | 2 Pages

One could assume that symbolism is the backbone to all literature. Without symbolism the piece of literature is inadequate, lacking representations of objects, people, and situations. However Eudora Welty’s work “A Worn Path” proves the prominence of symbolism in any prose. The short story about a woman’s ability to face nature, mankind, and one’s own self. The protagonist is an woman named Phoenix Jackson who has an unforgettable nature.

Read More

What Are The Similarities Between The Scarlet Ibis And Lord Of The Flies

439 Words | 2 Pages

Symbols are everywhere. Readers see symbols in all kinds of literary works. Symbols are used to represent ideas and concepts in literary works. Authors use symbols to help the readers understand themes. In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the theme present is that societies need some kind of social order to live in peace.

Read More

Symbolism In Julie Otsuka's When The Emperor Was Divine

911 Words | 4 Pages

One example of this symbolism is the musical aspect that the author decides to include, the songs. Through the songs and the context in which they are used, the author establishes the mood, provides the reader with better

Read More

Figurative Language In Tim O Brien's The Things They Carried

772 Words | 4 Pages

The Vietnam War spanning over two decades was a complex conflict that was fought through America’s outlook of containing communism in Europe. The multifaceted perspectives of the Vietnam War and unclear military objectives caused confusion for soldiers. As a result, a majority of soldiers felt pushed into a war that they didn’t fully understand, leading to lifelong psychological consequences. Although many believe soldiers are fearless and can tolerate the trauma of war, in The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien illuminates the underlying effects of war on soldiers that aren't immediately apparent to the naked eye, highlighting the physical and emotional struggles within soldiers' daily lives. O’Brien’s use of figurative language immerses readers

Read More

Ted Kaczynski's Manhunt: Unabomber

763 Words | 4 Pages

Why Hubris is Humanity’s Greatest Enemy in Manhunt: Unabomber Hubris, when a person becomes excessively prideful, is humans’ greatest nemesis and challenge. This is demonstrated with the character Ted Kaczynski in the television series Manhunt: Unabomber directed by Andrew Sodroski. Kaczynski’s main goal is to have his “manifesto” published across the world which becomes the main proof the FBI has on the identity of the Unabomber. Additionally, during the courthouse hearings, Kaczynski finds out that his lawyers are pursuing the insanity appeal without his consent in which was the greatest instance of his hubris being shown. Ted Kaczynski’s meticulously crafted plan of terror is fueled by his hubris, ultimately resulting in his capture.

Read More

Symbolism In Things Fall Apart And Poisonwood Bible

915 Words | 4 Pages

In “Poisonwood Bible” some more example of symbolism is used, for example, the bow and arrow, pet parrot, the Demonstration Garden, and what Adah uses to speak since she can’t physically speak. Symbolism is also used to help the reader recognize the theme the author is trying to get out. Both Achebe and Kingsolver use this technique to broaden

Read More

Symbolism In 'The Raven And Minister's Black Veil'

641 Words | 3 Pages

Symbolism allows the author to create a story that would otherwise be bland and monotone. Without this dark romantic element, books, short stories, and poems would not have as much meaning nor appealing detail. Symbolism in "The Raven," "The Devil and Tom Walker," and "The Minister's Black Veil," creates layers of meaning and interesting characters. Symbolism has been used for centuries to spice up the literary world. Sometimes it is used in obvious ways, but other time it has to be thoroughly studied to be imperturbably understood.

Read More

Symbols In East Of Eden By John Steinbeck

688 Words | 3 Pages

In John Steinbeck’s, East of Eden, there a few literary elements and themes that connect the overall storyline together. The one element that seems to be in every big plot twist is symbolism. Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. Steinbeck uses these symbols to carry an extra meaning, leading it to morph into an idea for an overall message that he is trying to claim. Through the use of symbolism, Steinbeck portrays the idea of how one’s constant battle with good and evil represents one’s path.

Read More

Symbolism In Laurie Halse Anderson's 'Speak'

805 Words | 4 Pages

Symbolism is the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character. In Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson uses literary devices to help the reader better understand Melinda’s personal changes and growth. Trees, lips, and coldness are all symbolically used to represent the changes of Melinda. Throughout the novel, trees play a big part in symbolizing Melinda. Melinda is constantly drawing and relating to trees in the book.

Read More

A Long Way Gone Symbolism Essay

957 Words | 4 Pages

Authors use symbols in literary to show you gateways into themes. Some are easily noticed but some are much more complex. In his literary work, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, Ishmael Beah uses symbols to underscore his central theme of oppression and freedom. The symbols used in this literary work to show the theme of freedom are the moon and the cassette tape Ishmael had from his childhood rap group. The symbol used to represent the theme of oppression is Ishmael’s dreams or nightmares.

Read More

The Giver Questions: Symbols Of The Giver '

765 Words | 4 Pages

Symbols are used all throughout the book to add depth to the story. One example of this would be how the children all receive different things as they get older, and how each item has something to represent. A quote that shows this is “females lost their braids at Ten, and males, too, relinquished their long childish hair and took on the more manly short style which exposed their ears” (p. 46) A second symbol in the book is Jonas seeing the color red which is a very “Emotionally intense color” and symbolizes the arrival in conflicting emotions in Jonas. A third and final example

Read More

An Analysis Of Mary Oliver's Crossing The Swamp

708 Words | 3 Pages

In her poem, “Crossing the Swamp,” Mary Oliver uses vivid diction, symbolism, and a tonal shift to illustrate the speaker’s struggle and triumph while trekking through the swamp; by demonstrating the speaker’s endeavors and eventual victory over nature, Oliver conveys the beauty of the triumph over life’s obstacles, developing the theme of the necessity of struggle to experience success. Oliver uses descriptive diction throughout her poem to vividly display the obstacles presented by the swamp to the reader, creating a dreary, almost hopeless mood that will greatly contrast the optimistic tone towards the end of the piece. While describing the thicket of swamp, Oliver uses world like “dense,” “dark,” and “belching,” equating the swamp to “slack earthsoup.” This diction develops Oliver’s dark and depressing tone, conveying the hopelessness the speaker feels at this point in his journey due to the obstacles within the swamp. As the speaker eventually overcomes these obstacles, he begins to use words like “sprout,” and “bud,” alluding to new begins and bright futures.

Read More

Symbolism In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

1100 Words | 5 Pages

Symbolism in general is the building blocks to all sources of literature and can shape a piece of writing in many ways. Symbols in general can portray what something or someone represents, giving a deeper and metaphorical meaning to a symbol. Symbolism is often used within poetry, literature, music, or even art. This is how an author conveys a different meaning to the audience. For example artists may use the color “red” not only because of the color theory, but to convey love, passion, and maybe even health.

Read More

Essay On Symbolism In The Book Speak

1197 Words | 5 Pages

Symbolism can use an object (like a tree of birds), or art, (like Melinda’s art project or Mr. Freeman's canvas) to represent an abstract idea. Laurie Halse Anderson uses symbolism to hint at a certain mood or emotion, rather than just blatantly saying it. So, the use of symbolism is important because it helps create meaning and emotion in a story. Symbolism makes a book fun to read, the symbolism produces a thought provoking work of art and it, (like in this book), adds meaning to seemingly unrelated objects and elicits emotions in the

Read More

More about Figurative Language In Mary Oliver's 'Journey'

Related Topics

Open Document