What poetic devices were used in the poem "What Was Told, That"? What did these poetic devices do for this poem? Did these devices help create imagery or communicate the author’s feelings?

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The poem "What Was Told, That?" by William Stafford utilizes several poetic devices. Here are some of the key devices used in the poem:

1. Repetition: The poem features repetitive phrases such as "that time" and "who told." This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes the importance of the events being described.

2. Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery throughout to create a strong visual impact on the reader. For example, it describes a "forest with stars" and "jets squadroned after lonely glory." These images help the reader visualize the scene and engage with the poem on a sensory level.

3. Metaphor: The poem employs metaphors to convey complex emotions and ideas. For instance, the phrase "people who act/ as if they were not acting in a play" suggests the idea of life as a grand performance where people strive to maintain a sense of authenticity.

4. Enjambment: The poem uses enjambment, where lines run on without punctuation, to create a fluid and continuous flow. This technique adds a sense of movement and vitality to the lines.

These poetic devices contribute to the overall impact of the poem in several ways. Firstly, they help create striking imagery that allows the reader to vividly imagine the situations described. This imagery enhances the emotional depth of the poem and helps communicate the author's feelings.

Moreover, the repetition and enjambment techniques create a sense of rhythm and flow, adding musicality to the poem. This musicality, combined with the metaphors used, helps convey the author's contemplative and introspective mood.

In summary, the poetic devices used in "What Was Told, That?" help create imagery, enhance emotional depth, convey the author's feelings, and add musicality to the poem.

To identify the poetic devices used in the poem "What Was Told, That?", we will need to analyze the text and look for specific literary techniques. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how you can analyze the poem:

1. Read the poem: Start by thoroughly reading the poem to grasp its overall meaning and theme. This initial reading will also give you a sense of the poetic devices employed.

2. Identify figures of speech: Look for any instances of figures of speech such as metaphor, simile, personification, or hyperbole. These devices enhance the poem's imagery and can help create a more vivid and impactful emotional response.

3. Analyze the use of sound devices: Pay attention to the poem's rhythm, rhyme scheme, alliteration, assonance, or other sound devices. These devices can contribute to the overall lyrical quality of the poem and evoke specific emotions.

4. Look for symbolism: Investigate if the poet has used symbols or symbolism to convey deeper meanings. Symbols can add layers of interpretation and contribute to the emotional and imaginative impact of the poem.

5. Consider the overall effect: Once you've identified the poetic devices, think about how they contribute to the poem's overall effect. Do they enhance the imagery, convey specific emotions, or deepen the meaning of the poem?

By following these steps, you can identify the poetic devices used in "What Was Told, That?" and determine their impact on the poem's imagery and the communication of the author's feelings.

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