You have just read “The Possessive” by Sharon Olds. How does the author’s use of language develop the speaker’s tone in the poem? Make sure your response is strong by: clearly answering the prompt. Including and explaining at least two pieces of relevant evidence. Using transitions to connect ideas.
The speaker's tone in Sharon Olds' poem "The Possessive" is one of anger and frustration. Olds uses language to emphasize the speaker's feelings of being trapped and powerless in the relationship. For example, the speaker's use of the word "possessive" in the title of the poem immediately conveys a sense of ownership and control. Additionally, the speaker's use of the phrase "I am his" in the first line of the poem further emphasizes the speaker's lack of autonomy in the relationship. Olds also uses language to emphasize the speaker's feelings of anger and resentment. For example, the speaker's use of the phrase "I am his, like a dog" conveys a sense of indignity and humiliation. Furthermore, the speaker's use of the phrase "I am his, like a slave" conveys a sense of powerlessness and oppression. Through her use of language, Olds effectively develops the speaker's tone of anger and frustration in the poem.
To analyze how the author's use of language develops the speaker's tone in "The Possessive" by Sharon Olds, we need to closely examine the text and identify specific examples. Here's how you can approach this task:
1. Read the poem: Start by reading the poem multiple times to gain a thorough understanding of its content and theme. Take note of any particular words, phrases, or literary devices that catch your attention.
2. Identify the speaker's tone: Determine the speaker's overall attitude or tone in the poem. Consider whether it is positive, negative, ironic, solemn, etc. This will provide the foundation for analyzing how the language contributes to the tone.
3. Look for evidence in the text: Identify at least two pieces of relevant evidence from the poem that exhibit the author's use of language. These could be specific words, imagery, metaphors, similes, or any other literary devices that contribute to the tone.
4. Explain the evidence: For each piece of evidence, clearly explain how the author's use of language develops the speaker's tone. Use transitions to connect your ideas and help the reader follow your analysis.
Example analysis:
In "The Possessive," Sharon Olds effectively employs language to develop a tone that is both possessive and nostalgic. One piece of evidence that demonstrates this is the author's choice of possessive pronouns throughout the poem. The speaker consistently refers to the beloved as "mine" and "my." This possessive language conveys a strong sense of ownership and control, indicating the speaker's desire to maintain a close connection with the beloved.
Furthermore, Olds employs rich sensory imagery to evoke a nostalgic tone. For instance, she describes the beloved's hair as "wild, like a field of flowers in the wind." This vivid simile not only engages the reader's senses, but it also suggests a longing for the past, as though the speaker holds dear memories of the beloved's presence.
Moreover, the juxtaposition of the possessive language and nostalgic imagery creates a complex tone that is both affectionate and wistful. The use of possessive pronouns emphasizes the speaker's desire to possess and control the beloved, while the nostalgic imagery indicates a longing for a connection that may be lost or distant. This interplay between possessiveness and nostalgia adds layers of emotions to the speaker's tone, ultimately enhancing the overall impact of the poem.
By closely examining the poem and providing specific examples, we can clearly see how the author's use of language develops the speaker's tone in "The Possessive" by Sharon Olds.
In the poem "The Possessive" by Sharon Olds, the author skillfully employs various language techniques to develop the speaker's tone. The poem is a vivid exploration of possessiveness within a romantic relationship. By using evocative language and employing certain literary devices, Olds effectively conveys the speaker's tone of obsession and possessiveness.
One way the author's use of language develops the speaker's tone is through the extensive utilization of possessive language. In the opening lines, Olds writes, "I had a man / without a body." Here, the use of the possessive pronoun "my" indicates the speaker's strong desire to possess and control the man. This possessiveness is further emphasized in subsequent lines, such as "my spirit / had his mouth," and "I entered his shadow / like a doorway." Each instance of possessive language serves to intensify the speaker's tone, revealing an overwhelming desire to claim ownership and control over the man.
Furthermore, Olds employs vivid imagery to enhance the speaker's tone of possessiveness. The author describes the speaker's experience as "a branch I could not break from," highlighting the deeply rooted connection between the speaker and the object of their obsession. The language of being trapped within the relationship further amplifies the speaker's possessive tone, emphasizing their entanglement and inability to let go. Olds also uses sensory imagery, such as "I put my mouth / on his key," to create a visceral and intense experience for the reader, thereby reinforcing the overwhelming and possessive emotions conveyed by the speaker.
By using possessive language and evocative imagery, Sharon Olds effectively develops the speaker's tone of obsession and possessiveness in "The Possessive." The poem delves into the depths of an all-consuming desire to possess and control another person. The author's choice of language crafts a powerful narrative that evokes a sense of captivity and longing, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.