Comprehensive Poetry Analysis: Themes, Imagery, and Poetic Devices

This assignment presents a detailed analysis of several poems, including "The Heroes You Had as a Girl" by Bronwen Wallace, "foremother" by Lillian Bouzane, "to you who would wage war against me" by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, "Sonnet 116" by William Shakespeare, "O Can You Leave Your Native Land?" by Susanna Moodie, "Acquainted with the Night" by Robert Frost, and "Kindly Unhitch That Star, Buddy" by Ogden Nash. Each analysis includes an examination of the significance of the title, a summary of the main idea, identification of prevalent images, discussion of effective word choice, examples of figurative language, potential points of confusion, and connections to essential questions about heroism, gender roles, parent-child relationships, love, freedom, depression, and success. The analyses delve into themes, symbolism, and the poets' techniques in conveying their messages.

Surname 1
2.1 POETRY CHART: “The Heroes You Had as a Girl”
“The Heroes You Had as a Girl”
by Bronwen Wallace
What is the
significance
of the title?
The heading captures the attention of the reader. Realistically, it is too
catchy as anyone would want to know who measures up to be a hero in a
girl’s life. A female audience would want to read the poem to make a
comparison between their childhood heroes and those presented by the
persona.
Summarize
the main
idea of the
poem.
The poem recounts he experiences of a typical girl growing up in the
company of boys. At times, she admires them though she can hardly
explain the feeling. Later in life, the girl meets her hero and is hesitant to
talking to him fearing that he may not remember her. This gives the girl
memories in the earlier ages.
What is the
prevalent
image in the
poem?
The most prominent image is that of the describe hero. The persona
describes the features of the hero both when at school and later in life. He
is described as taller that the girl’s classmates and brothers and masculine.
Identify and
discuss the
poet’s use of
two effective
words.
Hero- The person described is not necessarily a hero. He disappears only
to resurface years later fat and balded
Burned- The use of the word burned in the poem describes the extremity of
the screams.
Identify and
discuss two
examples of
figurative
language in
the poem.
Your voices fluttering like foolish birds- simile. Human voices are
compared to those of foolish birds.
You can feel the dry grass biting-hyperbole. This line is extremely
exaggerated as grass can never bite
What two
aspects of
the poem
may be
confusing?
Heroism- the heroic nature of the described figure is questionable.
The age of the persona- It is not easy to identify the right age of the girl.
Indicate
which
Essential
Question
might relate
best to this
poem, and
provide a
brief
rationale.
Who is a hero?
While reading the poem, one can easily be swayed trying to understand the
hero in the poem with relation to typical heroism.

Surname 2
2.1 POETRY CHART: “foremother”
“foremother”
by Lillian Bouzane
What is the
significance
of the title?
The title Fore-mother is used to refer to a woman in past who lived many
years ago. Giving the poem this title creates the impression that the
character in the poem is adored.
Summarize
the main
idea of the
poem.
The poem explores the life of a woman who is deceased by her husband at
very young age and is left to look after their children. She succeeds in her
duty and even leaves wealth enough to educate her grandchildren.
Basically, this poem dismisses the belief that women are inferior beings
compared to their male counterparts.
What is the
prevalent
image in the
poem?
The picture that keeps reoccurring is that of a strong woman hardworking
enough to tend to all the needs of her children.
Identify and
discuss the
poet’s use of
two effective
words.
Foremother- It creates the impression of the greater sense of motherliness
characterized by care and hard work.
Meddle- The word reoccurs in the poem and implies that the persona was
cognizant of her duties and did not want anyone to interfere with her life.
Identify and
discuss two
examples of
figurative
language in
the poem.
Flagship- Symbolism. The word symbolizes power.
She got 10 winters out of him-Hyperbole. Typically, a winter cannot be
extracted from a human being.
What two
aspects of
the poem
may be
confusing?
The evolving image of women; are women assuming the male roles in the
society?
Feminism- does the image presnted propel the development of feminism.
Indicate
which
Essential
Question
might relate
best to this
poem, and
provide a
brief
rationale.
Do men and women possess equal opportunities, power and respect? The
woman in the poem is very successful, more that the men described. This
implies that women can also equal men in wealth accumulation.

Surname 3
2.1 POETRY CHART: “to you who would wage war against me”
“to you who would wage war against me”
by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damn
What is the
significance
of the title?
The heading introduces the main theme in the poem. The persona is giving
a warning to a person or some people. The title is much general perhaps to
avoid direct confrontations at the earlier stages.
Summarize
the main
idea of the
poem.
The persona in the poem (mother) is giving an emotional response to her
daughter. The anger in her is however calmed down when her daughter
appears crying. The poem’s main message is that parents always find a
place in their hearts to forgive their children.
What is the
prevalent
image in the
poem?
The most predominant picture in the poem is an angered mother. The vast
part of the text depicts her anger and frustration.
Identify and
discuss the
poet’s use of
two effective
words.
Blood- The term is used to express extreme anger and frustration.
Forgiven- The word offers a resolution of the conflict presented in the
poem.
Identify and
discuss two
examples of
figurative
language in
the poem.
/They look to me like stones/- Simile. The persona compares her hands to
stones due to the perceived harm that she believes they can cause.
/My head is full of blood/- Hyperbole. The exaggerated phrase describes
the persona’s anger.
What two
aspects of
the poem
may be
confusing?
The persona’s anger and love (strong contrasting emotions). She is so
quick to forgive.
The changing mood in the poem
Indicate
which
Essential
Question
might relate
best to this
poem, and
provide a
brief
rationale.
What is the connection between parents and their children?
There seems to be no point of equilibrium on how parents and children
interact. At times, they are good friends, at other times, they are nothing
less than strangers or even worst enemies.

Surname 4
2.1 POETRY CHART: “Sonnet 116”
“Sonnet 116”
by William Shakespeare
What is the
significance
of the title?
The Heading indicates not only the structure of the text but also its number
in the sequence of Shakespearean sonnets.
Summarize
the main
idea of the
poem.
The poem attempts to lace love in a context. It outlines what love is and
what it is not.
What is the
prevalent
image in the
poem?
The picture of marriage reoccurs in the entire poem.
Identify and
discuss the
poet’s use of
two effective
words.
Marriage- It is implied as an idealistic association that demands a great
understanding from two equals.
Love- The word occurs in multiple lines and is the backbone of the entire
poem.
Identify and
discuss two
examples of
figurative
language in
the poem.
Metaphor- /It is the star/ Love is compared to a star which shines even in
darkness.
Alliteration- sickle’s compass come. Used to enhance rhythm.
What two
aspects of
the poem
may be
confusing?
Typical marriages
Love
Indicate
which
Essential
Question
might relate
best to this
poem, and
provide a
brief
rationale.
Are religious or legal marriages founded on love? The persona seems to
disregard these marriages on the grounds that they are more of formal
contracts rather than founded on a mutual understanding.

Surname 5
2.1 POETRY CHART: “O Can You Leave Your Native Land?”
“O Can You Leave Your Native Land?”
by Susanna Moodie
What is the
significance
of the title?
The heading triggers thinking and expresses the central theme in the
poem.
Summarize
the main
idea of the
poem.
The poem is founded around freedom and change. The persona is
obsessed by her native land and does not want to leave.
What is the
prevalent
image in the
poem?
The most prevalent image depicts a woman struggling to leave her native
land.
Identify and
discuss the
poet’s use of
two effective
words.
Home- It is used to refer to the persona’s country.
Hearth- Used to show the comfort that comes with being in one’s native
land.
Identify and
discuss two
examples of
figurative
language in
the poem.
Allusion- Eden. Shows the presence of hope.
Exile- Symbolism. Implies the departure to another country.
What two
aspects of
the poem
may be
confusing?
Freedom.
The desire to explore.
Indicate
which
Essential
Question
might relate
best to this
poem, and
provide a
brief
rationale.
Are human beings ignorant of the freedom given to them?
The persona offers the audience a fascinating journey explaining the
emptiness that comes with leaving one’s country.

Surname 6
2.1 POETRY CHART: “Acquainted with the Night”
“Acquainted with the Night”
by Robert Frost
What is the
significance
of the title?
The heading tells the mood in the poem even before reading it. It therefore
acts as a perfect introduction to the lines.
Summarize
the main
idea of the
poem.
The persona explains the events in the darker side of life. It is majorly
founded on depression.
What is the
prevalent
image in the
poem?
The image of a depressed person reoccurs in almost every line of the
poem.
Identify and
discuss the
poet’s use of
two effective
words.
Acquainted- Creates the implication that the persona is familiar with life
struggles.
Night- The troubles and distresses that come along with life.
Identify and
discuss two
examples of
figurative
language in
the poem.
Symbolism- Rain. It is not necessarily used to mean downpour but the
excessive troubles faced by the persona.
Metaphor- Acquainted with the night. Night in this case is a metaphor for
depression.
What two
aspects of
the poem
may be
confusing?
The use of the word acquainted.
The isolation of the persona although he or she is in a city.
Indicate
which
Essential
Question
might relate
best to this
poem, and
provide a
brief
rationale.
Why does depression come along with an identity crisis?
The persona feels guilty and even upon meeting the watchman, there is no
eye contact, which implies shyness and low self-esteem.

Surname 7
2.1 POETRY CHART: “Kindly Unhitch That Star, Buddy”
“Kindly Unhitch That Star, Buddy”
by Ogden Nash
What is the
significance
of the title?
The title presents an overview of the entire poem and its main idea. It
shows a condemnation to success seekers.
Summarize
the main
idea of the
poem.
The persona warns the audience against dreaming of goals that cannot be
achieved.
What is the
prevalent
image in the
poem?
The main image in the poem is a portrayal of how people go on seeking for
success in all the wrong places using the wrong means.
Identify and
discuss the
poet’s use of
two effective
words.
Buddy- The term is used ironically to condemn success seekers.
Success- The word appears several times in the poem and enhances its
meaning.
Identify and
discuss two
examples of
figurative
language in
the poem.
Satire- wear diamonds instead of rhinestones.
Exaggeration-Sheriffim, Baillifim. These words are constructed to show
mockery.
What two
aspects of
the poem
may be
confusing?
Success
Hard work
Indicate
which
Essential
Question
might relate
best to this
poem, and
provide a
brief
rationale.
Does hard work lead to success?
The persona seems to be disregarding all the means that people engage to
in search of success.