Solution
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Rhyme Scheme: Free verse. No rhyme scheme. Stanza 1 Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still. For once on the face of the Earth lets not speak in any language, lets stop for one second, and not move our arms so much. Poetic Devices i. Assonance: Prominent sound of 'o' in - "Now we will count to twelve, not move our arms so much." ii. Anaphora: It is the repetition of a word at the start of two or more consecutive lines - (lets not speak in any language, lets stop for one second). iii. Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter W in we will. iv. Symbolism: Here, the poet has used the phrase count to twelve as a measure of time. v. Metonymy: The word language has been used by the poet to show different races. Stanza 2 It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
Poetic Devices
i. Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter:
W in we would
S in sudden strangeness
H in his hurt hands.
ii. Symbolism: 1. The poet has used fisherman as a symbol of the oppressor and whale as a symbol of the oppressed.
2. The port has used the man gathering salt as a symbol of humanity in this stanza.
Stanza 3
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
Poetic Devices
i. Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter:
W in "wars with"
C in "clean clothes."
ii. Assonance: Prominent sound of the vowel 'o' in victory with no survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers.
iii. Repetition: The word "war" has been repeated.
iv. Irony: When there is a complete contrast between the literal meaning and what it appears to mean-
1. Green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire.
2. Victory with no survivors.
v. Symbolism: The poet has used clean clothes as a symbol of peace.
Stanza 4
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
Poetic Devices
i. Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter:
w in "we were,"
S in "so single - minded"
ii. Enjambment: The sentence is being continued to the next line without a break - (and for once could perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.)
Stanza 5
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now Ill count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
Poetic Devices
i. Personification: The poet has personified the Earth by saying - the Earth can teach us.
ii. Extended Metaphor: The poet has used extended metaphor by saying -
(when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive). Here, he is comparing the period of stillness with the winters.
As a seasoned literary enthusiast with a demonstrable depth of knowledge, I'd like to draw attention to the intricate details and literary devices employed in the provided article. The poem in question, which appears to be a contemplation on the significance of silence and a departure from the constant hustle of life, showcases the poet's adept use of various poetic elements.
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Rhyme Scheme and Structure:
- The poem adopts a free verse style with no discernible rhyme scheme, allowing the poet unrestricted creative expression. This lack of formal structure contributes to the poem's organic flow, emphasizing the themes of stillness and introspection.
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Stanza 1:
- The poet initiates the contemplation by urging a collective silence, emphasizing the importance of pausing amidst the constant chatter of life.
- Poetic Devices:
- Assonance is evident in the prominent use of the 'o' sound, creating a rhythmic quality.
- Anaphora is employed with the repetition of "lets" at the start of two consecutive lines.
- Alliteration is utilized with the repetition of the letter 'W' in "we will," emphasizing the collective action.
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Stanza 2:
- The second stanza envisions a utopian moment of tranquility, where even fishermen and salt gatherers cease their activities, symbolizing a harmonious coexistence.
- Poetic Devices:
- Alliteration is present, particularly with the repetition of the letter 'W' and 'S,' enhancing the fluidity of the verses.
- Symbolism is notable, with fishermen representing oppressors and whales as the oppressed. The man gathering salt serves as a symbol of humanity.
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Stanza 3:
- This stanza delves into the consequences of human conflicts, condemning wars and advocating for a peaceful existence.
- Poetic Devices:
- Alliteration persists, contributing to the rhythmic quality.
- Assonance is evident in the repeated 'o' sound.
- Irony is employed in the depiction of wars and victory with no survivors, highlighting the absurdity of such conflicts.
- Symbolism is prevalent, with "clean clothes" symbolizing peace.
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Stanza 4:
- The fourth stanza explores the idea of interrupting the relentless pursuit of life's demands with a profound silence, reflecting on the struggle for self-understanding.
- Poetic Devices:
- Alliteration persists, emphasizing the idea of being "single-minded."
- Enjambment is used effectively to create a continuous flow of thought.
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Stanza 5:
- The final stanza introduces the Earth as a potential teacher, suggesting that stillness can bring about understanding and renewal.
- Poetic Devices:
- Personification is employed in attributing the ability to teach to the Earth.
- An extended metaphor is used, comparing the stillness to the apparent lifelessness of winter, which later proves to be a period of renewal.
In summary, the poet skillfully employs a variety of poetic devices such as alliteration, assonance, anaphora, symbolism, irony, personification, and extended metaphor to convey a profound message about the value of silence, introspection, and the potential for renewal in stillness. This analysis serves to illuminate the depth and richness of the poet's craft, showcasing a nuanced exploration of life's complexities.
