Question

Read the following phrases and sentences taken from the poem. Identify the poetic device in each of them and explain what the poet wants to communicate through their usage.

1. But words, like summer birds, depart...
2. heart, a pilgrim upon earth...
3. words are of as little worth As just so many weed
4. If words could satisfy the chest... Oft satisfy the least!
5. The world might hold a feast...
6. Like plants that make a gaudy show All blossom to the root
7. But whose poor nature cannot grow One particle of fruit!

Answer 1

1. Simile: Words are compared to summer birds to show that they disappear quickly.
2. Metaphor: The heart is compared to a pilgrim to show life’s emotional journey.
3. Simile: Useless words are compared to weeds to show that they have no value.
4. Irony: Words are expected to satisfy feelings but often fail to do so.
5. Hyperbole: The poet exaggerates to show how happy the world would be if words truly satisfied emotions.
6. Simile and Imagery: Showy plants are compared to empty words, using imagery to show that they look impressive but are meaningless.
7. Metaphor: Empty words are compared to fruitless plants to show they produce nothing meaningful.