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  • Essay / Poetic Devices in “Behind Mama's House”

    Table of ContentsImageryMetaphorRepetitionAlliterationEnjambmentConclusion “Behind Mama's House” is a poem that explores themes of nostalgia, family, and memory. Written by acclaimed poet Marita Golden, this piece is rich with poetic devices that enhance the beauty and emotional impact of the poem. In this essay, we will analyze the different poetic devices used in "Behind Mama's House" and discuss how they contribute to the overall meaning and effectiveness of the poem. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayImageryOne of the most striking poetic devices in "Behind Mama's House" is the use of vivid imagery. Golden paints a detailed picture of the speaker's childhood home, using sensory details to evoke a strong sense of longing and longing. For example, the poem opens with the lines “The honeysuckle vines twisting, / the way we twisted them, / to sway, to wear them like crowns.” These lines create a vivid image of the honeysuckle vines and the speaker's playful interaction with them. The use of imagery throughout the poem helps transport the reader into the setting of the speaker's memories, making emotions and experiences more tangible and real. MetaphorGolden also uses metaphor to convey the complex emotions and themes present in the poem. A notable metaphor in the poem is the comparison of the "branches of the cherry tree" with "our lives." This metaphorical simile suggests that the cherry tree, with its twisted and taut branches, represents the interdependence and growth of the speaker's family over time. The use of metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing the reader to interpret the speaker's experiences in a more nuanced and symbolic way. Repetition The use of repetition is another powerful poetic device in "Behind Mama's House." Throughout the poem, Golden repeats the phrase "behind mama's house" to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. This repetition serves to anchor the poem in a specific place, reinforcing the idea that the speaker's memories are deeply rooted in that place. Additionally, the repetition of this phrase creates a feeling of longing and longing, as the speaker reflects on the importance of this setting in his life. AlliterationGolden incorporates alliteration into several lines of the poem, adding a musical quality to the language and drawing attention to specific words and phrases. For example, the line “The writhing honeysuckle vines” features the repeated “t” sound, creating a sense of movement and energy in the description of the vines. Alliteration is also used in the phrase "sweet smell of slowly roasting meat", where the repeated "s" sound emphasizes the sensory experience of cooking food. By employing alliteration, Golden enhances the musicality and impact of the poem, drawing the reader's attention to key images and ideas. Enjambment The use of enjambment is another notable poetic device in "Behind Mama's House." Golden frequently uses enjambment to transport the reader from one line to the next without pause, creating a sense of flow and continuity in the poem. This technique is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's stream of consciousness as he remembers his childhood. The use of enjambment also contributes to the overall rhythm and flow of the poem, adding a sense of movement and momentum to the language. Keep in mind: this is not.