Symbolism In In Spite Of War

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INTRO: Theme is an essential part of every literary work and is developed by the employment of many poetic elements (n.a., Theme). Imagery is one of them, as sensory appeal and figurative language works with background experience to obtain a message. In the poem “In Spite of War,” poet Angela Morgan presents a theme that is demonstrated through nature imagery and personification. TS: As stated, Morgan uses nature imagery, specifically symbolism as its dominant facet, to establish the theme of the poem. The underlying message of the story as it connects to human experience is that hope will live through despair, happiness through war. CD: One of the symbols the poet conceals is found on lines 6 and 7 in stanza 1: “Lilacs are blooming at my gate, Tulips are tripping down the path (Ambrose, In).” CM: One can examine the main colors of these flowers and view them as symbolic. The purple in lilacs represents peace and tranquility; tulip red represents love, while pink personifies youth and good health (n.a., Symbolism). All of these colors connote positive things, connecting to the “happiness” part of the theme. CM: Also, the blooming of the lilacs symbolizes hope and growth. The fact that these two flowers are appearing at the speaker’s surroundings suggests that hope is making itself known. These two lines directly juxtapose line 5 in stanza 1, saying that these flowers will appear even in destruction, that hope will be there through the perils of war. CD: Another instance in which Morgan combines symbolism and imagery to expound the theme is in lines 18 and 19 in stanza 2: “Though guns may roar and cannon boom, Roses are born and gardens bloom (Ambrose, In).” CM: Guns and cannons are part of war, and thus serve as metonymies (Ambro... ... middle of paper ... ...allow for an unbroken sound, and evoke a bright, harmonious mood in the audience. CS: Personification appears all throughout the poem, and it is not by mistake. The poet personifies flowers and nature in order to send messages to or remind man that even amidst the chaotic ruin that instigates his neglecting of nature, he still has that sense of happiness and delight in him. CONCLUSION: In her lyrical poem “In Spite of War,” poet Angela Morgan utilizes nature imagery and personification to deliver its main message. The motif of blossoming flowers makes them symbols of hope that foil the allegory of war. Interaction between man and nature is also touched upon, hinting to avert from constant misery and live optimistically. These techniques and devices eventually point one way and craft the theme that is so essential to today’s dystopia: hope lives even through despair.

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