The experiences and struggles of Indigenous peoples in Canada have been a recurring theme in many literary works. Rita Joe's "I Lost My Talk" and Basil H. Johnston's "The Prophecy" are two such works that explore the impact of forced assimilation on Indigenous culture and language. Both works demonstrate how the loss of language and culture can have a lasting impact on Indigenous peoples and their identities. While both works share similar themes, they differ greatly in terms of structure and literary devices. In "I Lost My Talk," Joe uses free verse and repetition to convey the confusion and chaos experienced by Indigenous children, while in "The Prophecy," Johnston uses structured prose and dialogue to make his story more engaging and understandable for readers. Therefore, through examining the similarities and differences between the two works, the negative impacts of forced assimilation on Indigenous populations which destroy traditional …show more content…
In "I Lost My Talk," Joe employs a free verse structure with irregular line lengths and no apparent rhyme scheme to convey the chaos and confusion experienced by Indigenous children. The repetition of similar phrases throughout the poem also adds to its emotional impact, expressing the anger and frustration at the loss of indigenous culture. On the other hand, "The Prophecy" uses a structured prose format and incorporates dialogue to tell its story, making it more engaging and understandable for readers. Johnston's use of structured prose highlights the significance and weight of the words being spoken, emphasizing the importance of preserving Indigenous language and culture. By contrasting the different structures and literary devices used in these two works, we can gain a deeper understanding of the authors' unique perspectives and approaches to exploring Indigenous experiences and struggles in