why does the poet use italics in grammar poem by rita wong
To understand why the poet uses italics in the poem "Grammar" by Rita Wong, we can analyze the poem itself.
First, let's take a look at the poem:
it is often easier to get someone to love you
if you can make them laugh
likewise
it is often easier to accept your body
if you can laugh at it, no matter what form
it takes
if you know how to use -- quotation marks
it is often easier to fly through the air
if you obey the laws of aerodynamics
it is also easier to be a square peg
when the round hole
is made by someone else
to their measure
OK, now that we have the poem, we can see that the poet uses italics specifically for one section: "if you know how to use -- quotation marks." This line is emphasized through italics, drawing attention to it and making it stand out from the rest of the poem.
So, why did the poet choose to use italics in this instance? By using italics for "if you know how to use -- quotation marks," it suggests that the poet wants to highlight the importance of using quotation marks effectively. It hints at the idea that using quotation marks properly can be empowering and transformative, particularly when it comes to accepting oneself, one's body, and navigating social interactions.
The italics serve as a visual cue or a literary device to emphasize the significance of quotation marks within the broader themes of the poem, such as self-love, acceptance, and societal norms. They guide the reader's attention and encourage them to reflect on the power of language and punctuation in shaping one's relationship with oneself and others.
Overall, the use of italics in "Grammar" serves as a poetic device to emphasize and elevate the importance of quotation marks and their role in one's self-perception and engagement with the world.