Figures of speech used in The snare poem by James Stephens
The poem "The Snare" by James Stephens utilizes several figures of speech, including:
1. Personification - giving human attributes to non-human entities. For example, the snare is described as having "hoops of flame" and being "bloody" and "busy." These personifications emphasize the powerful and destructive nature of the snare.
2. Metaphor - a direct comparison between two unrelated things. The speaker compares the snare to a "wound" that is "deeper than life," suggesting that the snare causes emotional pain and suffering.
3. Simile - a comparison using "like" or "as." The speaker describes the snare as being "like a hawk on the wind's way." This simile highlights the predatory and predatory nature of the snare.
4. Alliteration - the repetition of consonant sounds. This figure of speech is used in phrases such as "hoops of flame" and "bloody and busy."
5. Assonance - the repetition of vowel sounds. There are instances of assonance in phrases such as "rushing of wings" and "numberless wings." These repetitions create a rhythmic and melodic quality in the poem.
6. Hyperbole - exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. In the poem, the speaker describes the snare as being capable of "ending" a life. This hyperbole emphasizes the grave danger and potential harm posed by the snare.
Overall, these figures of speech add depth, imagery, and emotion to the poem "The Snare." They help to create vivid and evocative descriptions of the snare and its impact on the speaker's life.
"The Snare" is a poem written by James Stephens. Here are some key figures of speech used in the poem:
1. Metaphor: A figure of speech that compares two different things without using "like" or "as." In the poem, the snare is metaphorically used to represent something that captures and ensnares its victims.
2. Imagery: The use of vivid and descriptive language to create mental images. Stephens uses imagery to depict the snare's physical characteristics, such as its "luminous loops" and "lightning threads."
3. Personification: Giving human attributes or qualities to inanimate objects. The snare in the poem is personified when it is described as having "wantonness" and being "sweetly disposed."
4. Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds. Stephens uses alliteration to create a musical effect and emphasize certain words or phrases, such as in the line "Sweet-toothed subtle serpents, all allurements in one."
5. Repetition: The deliberate use of repetition to create a particular effect. In "The Snare," the repetition of sounds and words adds rhythm and emphasis, emphasizing the danger and allure of the snare.
6. Simile: A figure of speech that compares two different things using "like" or "as." Although not extensively used in the poem, there is a simile that compares the snare to lightning: "The suddenness and the silently flung lightning of it."
These are some of the figures of speech used in "The Snare" by James Stephens.