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The Century Quilt Summary

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In Marilyn Nelson Waniek’s poem “The Century Quilt” an abundance of imagery, positive connotation, flashbacks, and a creative structure is used to develop the complex themes and ideas represented in the poem. These devices create a meaningful and concise story of the values each family may have, and the importance to keep these values alive. In order to convey the importance of family value or in this case the quilt. Waniek describes the quilt having “Six Van Dyke brown squares, two white ones, and one square the yellow brown of mama’s cheeks.” Doing this allows her audience to picture the beautiful quilt that is being referenced and described throughout the entire poem. Waniek also describes the family with specific colors related to the quilt, “Yellow sisters” “Grandfathers white family” these colors are also found on the tri-colored quilt connecting the two revealing that this quilt is strongly bonded within the family and represents the family. In addition the descriptions all represent positive family affairs and the good moments the family shares. …show more content…

Positive connotation is a prevalent device that is used in order to effectively portray the true meaning and themes of the poem. “I’d dream of myself, of my childhood of miracles, of my father’s burnt umber pride..” Wanieks use of positive diction creates the sensation of joy and amusement with a sentimental tone. The uplifting tone also contributes to each aspect of the family and the joy they all share, despite the age and condition of the grandmother, the narrator reflects on positive matters in the poem reminding the readers of joyful family value, or in this case the positivity and joy the quilt brings to the

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