Effective Use of Poetic Devices/Techniques: - SS1 Literature Lesson Note

Effective Use of Poetic Devices/Techniques:
Lerrie Peters employs several poetic devices and techniques to convey the theme of aging in a powerful and evocative manner:

Imagery: The poem is replete with vivid and evocative imagery that allows readers to viscerally experience the emotions of the narrator. For instance, phrases like "I bared my youth" and "The closed book of memory" paint rich pictures of the past and the apprehensions of the present.

Metaphor: Peters uses metaphorical language to liken aging to a "panic" and "whirlpool," effectively conveying the overwhelming and turbulent nature of the emotions associated with growing older.

Enjambment: The poem's use of enjambment, where sentences or thoughts continue onto the next line, creates a sense of continuous reflection and introspection, mirroring the ceaseless nature of aging-related thoughts.

Repetition: The repetition of phrases like "panic of growing older" emphasizes the central theme and the narrator's preoccupation with it, reinforcing the emotional weight of the subject matter.

Allusion: ”Laboratory tests” refers to scientific allusion and the “three score and ten”, thought, described as scientific in the poem, is a biblical allusion to the years God said that man will live on earth.

Metaphor: The anxiety and pain one feels as s/he thinks of old age is compared to ‘fluttering winds’

Repetition: The word, ‘hope’ is repeated in the poem.

Symbolism: ‘moon’ (represent time), Red (represent danger). ‘legs cribbed’ symbolizes the entanglement of family life. ‘Throb of pain’ symbolizes the shock one feels as s/he bids goodbye to youthfulness having achieved lesser than planned. ‘Copybook’ represents the plans and goals one set to achieve in life.

Alliteration: ‘from year to year.’ ‘Y’ alliterates.

Euphemism: blades of expectations.

Litotes: From now on the world has you.

Onomatopoeia: “spread flattering winds”