In this unit, we learned the topic of poetry. We learned how words can be powerfully influence people in several ways. Poets inspire and empower people through their craft in poems.
TIEA paragraph:
If by Rudyard Kipling
In If, Rudyard Kipling empowers the idea of realizing and balancing the success and failure of life by defining triumph and disaster using personification. He describes them as imposters and capitalized as person’s name. “If you can meet with triumph and Disaster/And treat those two imposters just the same.”(11-12) Triumph and disaster are both abstract concepts, not real persons. The author describes them as two persons they would meet in your life. We shouldn’t be blindsided by the temporary result but looking forward to hopes and chances. Kipling’s metaphor is simple but they could powerfully make the reader have an epiphany in their life. This is the reason of why his poems are positive and influential.
Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
In Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou uses the device of metaphor and repetition to portrait her depth that shines within her appearance. She points out the abstract characteristics in each part of her body:
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
ANd the joy in my feet.
Fire, flash, swing, and joy are conceptual examples that the author used to describe herself. The inner glamour of the author is depicted through her description of metaphor. Those features of her tell the readers how the author is proud of her original look. It also reminds the reader of their values inside themselves.
Compare paragraph:
In If and Phenomenal Woman, Rudyard Kipling and Maya Angelou both use the technique of rhyme to add emphasis to certain words and create a rhythmic pattern. Every word at the end of the sentence repeat with the same vowel sound. “If you can make one heap of all your winnings/And lose, and start again at your beginnings, (17-19, IF) “Pretty women wonder where my secret lies/ I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size” (1-2, Phenomenal Woman) The device of rhyme is the most prominent feature that both authors had included in their poems. Sometimes the sound of words is not only repeated with the vowel, but also the consonant. It affects the pace of the readers by emphasizing particular words or phrases while reading. It also gives a tone to the poem which creates a musical melody and improves the flow of the sound. Overall, the effects are all linked thematically to unify the structure of the poem.
Contrast paragraph:
In If, Rudyard Kipling tells the poem in 2nd person point of view while Maya Angelou speaks in 1st person. Kipling uses “you” and “your” in his sentence; Angelou applies I and my. “If you can keep your head when all about you” (1, If) “I say/It’s in the reach of my arms “ (5-6, Phenomenal Woman) Originally, Kipling wrote this poem for his son. While reading his poem, the reader could feel like the poem is talking to them because of the “you” effect. This feature helps Kipling to convey his ideas to the reader more directly and powerfully. Additionally, using the 2nd person is rarely seen in poems. On the other hm Andalous speaks like a monologue. She speaks for herself and communicates with the leaders from her perspective. It also reinforces her idea of speaking up women. Two authors both convey their messages powerfully but in different angles.
Inspirational Poem:
A Girl
I am just a girl,
who’s shaped in a corset,
where magnifying glass drops at,
what numbers are pointed at.
I am a girl,
If I can remove my makeup
and be accepted with my real smile.
Ms. Stand Straight! and Mrs. Be Polite are not in my profile
Being a flawless model is not my style.
I am a pretty girl,
the beauty blooms in January,
pretty strong, pretty tough, shining sparkly jewelry,
Flop my ponytail and keep trying,
Living without boundary.
I am a beautiful girl,
I will fly out the tower,
like Rapunzel the princess,
I will change the world with my smile and bless,
I will fill my life with utmost happiness,
A unique girl.
Hope Imagery Poem
My hope feels like hugs of love that warm bodies and hearts.
My hope looks like stars that shine marvelously within darkness each time I hole my head up to the sky.
My hope sounds like songs of chirping birds singing on the way to school.
My hope smells like mint gum in the morning that fresh my day
My hope tastes like chocolate bites that give a little sweetness to life.
My hope is to fill my life with full of laughter, surprises, and happiness.