Poem and Figurative Language Summary (Research Paper Sample)

Poem and Figurative Language Summary Name: Institution: Robert Frost’s work (The Road Not Taken) has been principally viewed as a symbol of life journey. As a matter of fact, this is the first message or meaning that is gotten by a reader. Nonetheless, the poem uses as number of metaphors, imagery, rhyme as well as structure. All these are used to give the work a hidden meaning or message. Basically, a metaphor relates to any implied comparison between things that are unlike. In this figure of speech or writing, terms and or phrases are applied to things which they are not literally applicable so as to suggest a resemblance. Frost’s work most noticeable metaphor is that of the road. This metaphor is utilized throughout the poem, of which makes it an extended metaphor. In the beginning of this poem, Frost shows that the road –and choices he makes- has an impact on his life. For instance, his work talks about “two roads diverge…” Basically, he has to choose between these diverging roads in order to reach a given destination. As a matter of fact, this is evidenced towards the end of Frost’s work when he talks about “made all the difference” (Faggen, 1997). Altogether, the road was chosen and it was a turning point in his life. Imagery relates to the representation of sense experience via language. In this poem, imagery is used to illustrate the manner in which his decision was important. Imagery is additionally used to illustrate the impact made by his decision. For instance, about the diverged roads, Frost’s work questions whether this or that is the right way. Incidentally, the poet knows that he “could not travel both”. Also, the road is in the wood is yellow, and this insinuates autumn. During this time, leaves change color as their life starts to die. Nevertheless, the aforementioned passage makes a reader see the decision about to be made as a difficult one. Through the middle, the poem also talks about “green and wanted wear”. Of course, the use of the term green signifies that there is life. However, the inclusion of yellow and green brings out a difference. Thus, imagery is used to illustrate the impact made by decisions on someone’s life. Rhyme relates to repetition of sounds that are similar. In most cases, this happens in two or more terms/words. For instance, the poem employs rhyming words (words, wood, stood, and could) in the first stanza. This aids the reader of the poem to enjoy reading it, and make the poem pleasurable. The structure of this poem is highlighted through its four stanzas. They show the manner in which the poet’s choice impacts his life. The fist stanza is all about an explanation of the situation of choosing a road to take. The second one is about the speaker choosing a road that is less used. However, we see him describing the road of his choice, but he would have liked to travel both. The last stanza is an explanation of the difference brought about by his choice. Conclusively, the figurative language in this poem takes a reader through the poet’s mind and journey. As such, they make is captivating. Metaphor is evident in Browning’s work (My Last Duchess) especially because this poem develops women/females as objects. For instance, the duchess is seen in painting “…painted in the wall”, though the poet makes it clear that the duchess was already an object before her death. As a matter of fact, the late duchess’s husband makes it clear that life was full of restrictions. We later learn that the duchess’s death was caused by the husband “I gave commands”. The husband had to get it his way in order to feel that he eliminated the problem. This figurative language ty...