Allusions and metaphors are important poetic devices that add layers of depth to a piece of writing

Allusions and metaphors are important poetic devices that add layers of depth to a piece of writing. This exercise asks you 1.) to choose a poem that contains a lot of allusions or metaphors and 2.) to explain how those allusions and metaphors contribute to the meaning of the poem. What you need to do: 1. Choose a poem or set of song lyrics that you like. The text you choose should have several examples of allusions or metaphors in it. 2.Using Track Changes in Microsoft Word, highlight and add comments to the allusions or metaphors. Each comment should address the following questions a. What does the metaphor mean or what other text is the allusion you've identified referring to? b. How does that allusion or metaphor contribute to your understanding of the the following questions a. What does the metaphor mean or what other text is the allusion you've identified referring to? b. How does that allusion or metaphor contribute to your understanding of the meaning of the song? I've attached a sample analysis of the allusions in a classic Kanye West song to show what a completed assignment should look like.

Sample Solution

Poem: "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot

Allusions and Metaphors

Line 1: "Let us go then, you and I, When the evening is spread out against the sky"

Metaphor: "Evening spread out against the sky" - This metaphor suggests a sense of calm and serenity, setting a contemplative tone for the poem.

Lines 17-18: "I have heard the mermaids singing each to each, I do not think they will sing to me."

Full Answer Section

Allusion: The mermaids are a mythological creature often associated with temptation and seduction. In this context, they may represent a longing for something unattainable or a fear of rejection.

Lines 20-21: "I should have been a pair of ragged claws Scuttling across the floors of silent seas"

Metaphor: The image of "ragged claws" suggests a sense of vulnerability and helplessness. The "silent seas" may symbolize a feeling of isolation and detachment.

Lines 47-50: "To say: "I am Lazarus. Come forth!" But I have no voice— And if I had, to whom should I say it?"

Allusion: The reference to Lazarus, a biblical figure raised from the dead by Jesus, suggests a desire for rebirth or redemption. However, the speaker doubts their ability to achieve this.

Lines 117-118: "I have measured out my life in coffee spoons. I know ten thousand fools in one."

Metaphor: "Measured out my life in coffee spoons" - This suggests a mundane and repetitive existence, lacking excitement or fulfillment. The reference to "ten thousand fools" implies a sense of disillusionment and a belief in the mediocrity of humanity.

How Allusions and Metaphors Contribute to Meaning:

The allusions and metaphors in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" create a rich and evocative tapestry that reflects the speaker's internal struggles and anxieties. The references to mythological figures, biblical characters, and everyday objects serve to enhance the poem's themes of alienation, indecision, and a longing for connection. By using these literary devices, Eliot is able to convey complex emotions and ideas in a concise and powerful way.

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