Effective use of poetic devices/Techniques - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Effective use of poetic devices/Techniques

Hallowell uses a variety of poetic devices in "The Dining Table," including:

Imagery: The poem is full of vivid and powerful imagery that evokes the horrors of war. For example, the speaker compares dinner to gun wounds, and he describes the table as "an island where guerrillas walk the land while crocodiles surf."

Symbolism: The dining table itself is a symbol of the country and its people. It is a place where people come together to eat, drink, and socialize. However, in the poem, the dining table has become a symbol of war and violence.

Personification: Hallowell personifies the Nile River in the poem, giving it a voice and a personality. The Nile represents the country of Sierra Leone, and it speaks about its pain and suffering.

Alliteration: Hallowell uses alliteration throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, he writes "guerrillas walk the land while crocodiles surf."