how does each poet’s use of figurative language contribute to the overall meaning of the author to her book and a hymn to the evening?
How does each poet’s use of figurative language contribute to the overall meaning of “The Author to Her Book” and “A Hymn to the Evening”?
Answer:
To understand how each poet’s use of figurative language contributes to the overall meaning of “The Author to Her Book” by Anne Bradstreet and “A Hymn to the Evening” by Phillis Wheatley, it is essential to analyze the specific literary devices they employ and how these enhance the themes and messages of their poems.
Anne Bradstreet’s “The Author to Her Book”
1. Metaphor:
Bradstreet famously uses an extended metaphor throughout the poem, comparing her book to a child. This metaphor conveys her deep personal connection to her work and her feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment about its imperfections. For example, she refers to her book as her “ill-formed offspring,” which highlights her sense of responsibility and the maternal care she feels toward her creation.
2. Personification:
By personifying her book, Bradstreet gives it human characteristics, which helps readers empathize with her emotional struggle. She describes the book as “snatched from thence by friends, less wise than true,” suggesting that it was taken from her prematurely and exposed to the world before she could refine it. This personification underscores her vulnerability and the conflict between her private self and public perception.
3. Imagery:
Bradstreet uses vivid imagery to describe the flaws she perceives in her work. Phrases like “blemishes” and “irksome” paint a clear picture of her dissatisfaction. This imagery helps readers visualize her internal critique and the meticulous care she wishes she could have applied.
4. Tone:
The tone of the poem is a mix of self-deprecation and affection. Bradstreet’s use of figurative language reflects her conflicted emotions—pride in her creation and disappointment in its perceived flaws. This duality adds depth to the poem’s meaning, illustrating the complex relationship between an artist and their work.
Phillis Wheatley’s “A Hymn to the Evening”
1. Personification:
Wheatley personifies elements of nature to create a serene and spiritual atmosphere. For instance, she describes the evening as “majestic grandeur” and the sun as “retiring” to its “destined post.” This personification elevates the natural world to a divine status, reflecting the poet’s reverence for creation and its Creator.
2. Imagery:
Wheatley’s use of rich imagery brings the evening scene to life. Descriptions such as “the sky’s deepening blue” and “the zephyrs gently play” evoke a peaceful and contemplative mood. This imagery helps readers experience the tranquility and beauty of the evening, reinforcing the poem’s theme of finding solace and inspiration in nature.
3. Symbolism:
The evening symbolizes a time of reflection and renewal in Wheatley’s poem. The transition from day to night represents a spiritual journey, where the calm of the evening allows for introspection and connection with the divine. This symbolism enhances the poem’s meaning by linking the natural cycle to personal and spiritual growth.
4. Tone:
The tone of “A Hymn to the Evening” is reverent and contemplative. Wheatley’s figurative language contributes to this tone by highlighting the beauty and sanctity of the evening. Her choice of words and descriptions convey a sense of awe and gratitude, which aligns with the poem’s overall message of spiritual enlightenment and peace.
Conclusion
In both poems, the poets’ use of figurative language is crucial in conveying their themes and emotions. Bradstreet’s extended metaphor and personification in “The Author to Her Book” reveal her intimate and conflicted feelings about her work, while Wheatley’s personification, imagery, and symbolism in “A Hymn to the Evening” create a serene and spiritual reflection on nature. These literary devices enrich the poems’ meanings and allow readers to connect more deeply with the poets’ experiences and perspectives.