how does imagery help build the theme ,words can be powerful, in "A Barred Owl"?

"A Barred Owl

BY RICHARD WILBUR
The warping night air having brought the boom
Of an owl’s voice into her darkened room,
We tell the wakened child that all she heard
Was an odd question from a forest bird,
Asking of us, if rightly listened to,
“Who cooks for you?” and then “Who cooks for you?”

Words, which can make our terrors bravely clear,
Can also thus domesticate a fear,
And send a small child back to sleep at night
Not listening for the sound of stealthy flight
Or dreaming of some small thing in a claw
Borne up to some dark branch and eaten raw."


The use of "warping" to describe the night air is intriguing. It indicates to me that we may not hear sounds clearly and accurately at night.

What other imagery have you found?

To analyze how imagery helps build the theme "words can be powerful" in the poem "A Barred Owl," we need to understand the poem's context and identify the specific images that contribute to this theme. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to approach this analysis:

1. Read and Understand the Poem: Start by reading the poem "A Barred Owl" by Richard Wilbur. Familiarize yourself with the overall tone and message of the poem. In this poem, a child hears the call of a barred owl for the first time, and a parent reassures them that the sound is harmless.

2. Identify the Theme: The theme of "words can be powerful" suggests that words carry weight, impact, and the potential to elicit emotional responses. Look for evidence of this theme throughout the poem.

3. Analyze the Imagery: Imagery refers to the vivid, sensory language used in a poem to create mental images and appeal to the reader's senses. In "A Barred Owl," imagery plays a crucial role in developing the theme. Identify and analyze specific instances of imagery that contribute to the theme "words can be powerful."

4. Example - Imagery Analysis: One example of imagery in the poem is the portrayal of the barred owl's call as a "who-cooks-for-you." This image emphasizes the owl's presence and has a powerful impact on the child, creating a vivid and lasting impression. The choice of words, the repetition of sounds, and the rhythm created by this image adds to the theme of the poem. Through this imagery, the poem shows how a simple sound can evoke different emotions and reactions.

5. Connect with the Theme: Now, analyze how the identified imagery connects to the theme "words can be powerful." In "A Barred Owl," the imagery of the owl's call emphasizes the impact that words or sounds can have on the emotions and perceptions of individuals. The poem highlights how the child is initially scared by the sound, but the parent's comforting words reassure them, imparting a sense of safety and security. This demonstrates the power of words to shape our experiences and emotions.

By following these steps, you can analyze how imagery helps build the theme "words can be powerful" in "A Barred Owl." Remember to provide specific evidence and analyze the impact of the imagery on the poem's overall meaning.