Select a different story or poem from this unit Identify a literary element in the chosen selection such as tone, imagery, or symbolism Explain how the events and for ideas in the story and/or poem exhibit tone, imagery, or symbolism Include at least two supporting details or examples. Be sure to include the title of the selection and the author.
Title: "The Road Not Taken"
Author: Robert Frost
In the poem "The Road Not Taken," the literary element of symbolism is prominent. The poem revolves around a traveler who comes across a forked road and is forced to make a decision about which path to take. The two paths symbolize the choices and decisions we make in life.
One supporting detail of symbolism in the poem is when the speaker says, "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood." The color yellow symbolizes optimism and sunshine, which can represent the possibilities and potential that lie ahead. This choice could lead to a positive outcome or a new opportunity.
Another example of symbolism is seen in the lines, "Then took the other, as just as fair, / And having perhaps the better claim." Here, the different paths are not only symbolizing choices but also representing the dilemmas of life. The speaker acknowledges that both paths seemed equally inviting, but they had to choose one, knowing that they couldn't go back and take the other path.
The tone of the poem also contributes to the symbolism. Frost's use of a contemplative and reflective tone reflects the weightiness of decision-making. The speaker expresses a sense of uncertainty, regret, and curiosity about the road not taken, further emphasizing the importance of choices and the consequences they bring.
Through the symbolic representation of the paths, the poem captures the universal theme of decision-making and the potential outcomes and regrets it may bring. It reminds readers to consider the significance of choices and their impact on our lives.
Title: "The Raven"
Author: Edgar Allan Poe
Literary Element: Symbolism
Explanation:
In Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," the use of symbolism is prominent throughout, contributing to the overall dark and eerie tone of the piece.
1. The Raven: One significant symbol in the poem is the raven itself. The raven symbolizes death and mourning. Its arrival at the narrator's chamber door, perching above the bust of Pallas, reinforces the idea of death lurking nearby. It acts as a constant reminder of the narrator's grief and inability to move on from his beloved Lenore's death.
2. The Bust of Pallas: The bust of Pallas, the Greek goddess of wisdom, symbolizes knowledge and intellect. Its placement above the chamber door highlights the narrator's desperate attempt to seek wisdom and meaning in his sorrow. However, the raven's presence above the bust also serves as a symbol of the narrator's descent into madness and the futility of seeking solace in reason.
These symbols effectively contribute to the deep melancholy and despair that resonate throughout the poem. The raven's presence and the significance of the bust of Pallas not only enhance the imagery but also strengthen the overall symbolism employed by Poe, creating an atmosphere of foreboding gloom and psychological torment.
Title of the selection: "The Raven"
Author: Edgar Allan Poe
To identify a literary element in the poem "The Raven", such as tone, imagery, or symbolism, you need to closely analyze the text. For this particular poem, symbolism is a prevalent literary element.
Symbolism in "The Raven" is mainly portrayed through the raven itself. The raven is emblematic of death and brings forth a dark and melancholic tone. It represents a physical embodiment of the narrator's grief and inner torment. This symbolism can be observed through the repetition of the word "nevermore", as the raven's repetitive response serves to intensify the narrator's emotional anguish.
One supporting detail is the description of the raven as a "fiery-eyed demon". This vivid imagery creates a fear-inducing and unsettling atmosphere, highlighting the dark and eerie nature of the poem. The fiery eyes symbolize the tormented soul of the narrator and intensify the sense of doom and despair.
Another supporting detail is the repeated use of the words "night's plutonian shore". Through this imagery, Poe combines the element of darkness with the reference to the underworld (Pluto being the Greek god of the underworld). This imagery strengthens the theme of death and the afterlife, further enhancing the overall tone of despair and foreboding.
By employing symbolism, Edgar Allan Poe effectively creates a tone of gloom and despair throughout the poem. The imagery, with its depiction of the raven as a symbol of death, intensifies the emotions felt by the narrator and contributes to the brooding atmosphere of the piece.