erin kim

uchicago

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr The constant repetition of the word "black", as well as the scenery of late autumn both hint towards a weighted atmosphere of the poem, which adds to the message Kinnell is trying to convey. #paloozawk12

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr This drives the point that Kinnell wants to communicate: finding joy and appreciation in the simple actions we come across every single day. #paloozawk12

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr Kinnell characterizes blackberries, something that is not very complex, as something that could be artistic and have much meaning. He calls the bushes having known a "black art", which personifies the bushes as having these powers.

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr The free verse nature of the poem is an additional method of describing the natural action of eating blackberries, which is not a complex event. #paloozawk12

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr There's a notable use of alliteration throughout the poem that contributes to the strong imagery occurring throughout the poem. Examples include "black blackberries" "prickly, a penalty" #paloozawk13

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr This poem reinforces the message of what Christianity stands for which is that worldly items will ultimately be destroyed and wither, but those who believe will experience eternal life. This message is in line with the context of the author who was heavily religious.

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr There is a pattern in the poem where the author highlights a 'worldly' item like roses, dew, and music, but says that they will die. But, only a "sweet virtuous soul" will remain alive even when the world dies, which hints towards eternal life in a religious context.

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr "The bridal of the earth and sky" - Imagery of marriage is used which is a metaphor commonly used in Christianity when comparing our relationship with God. #paloozawk11

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr Use of alliteration in the first line of words starting with 's' #paloozawk11

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr The ABBA rhyme scheme signifies a separation, almost like these two people are separate people. The ABAB rhyme scheme is used until the end which signifies the entwinement of the two partners and is confirmed with the last line "No fields but are his own".

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr The comparison between "morning's levelled gun", which hints towards the disapproval or judgment that happened at the start of the relationship, with the last stanza including "No trespasser's reproach" solidifies the acceptance of it. #paloozawk10

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr The flood may be a reference to the flood in the Bible, which ended all of humanity except those chosen by God. This contributes to the overall theme of death and renewal. #paloozawk9

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr The third stanza has parallels with the first stanza in that they use diction that insinuates the end of something. This includes "sunset", "twilight", and the overall imagery of night, which is known as the end of the day. #paloozawk9

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr The tone of the second stanza almost feels eerie. Though home usually brings up emotions of comfort, the use of the mysterious sea and the description of it as "boundless deep" makes it sound almost creepy. #paloozawk9

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr Compared to the good qualities this woman can bring but is not allowed to use, the 'dead poet'/male is allowed to do something that brings more destruction than good.

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr There is a built up repetition of 'a woman' with qualities that make up a brave woman, but all comes crashing down due to her 'dead poet', who is learning something as dumb as walking backward against the wind.

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr But, we can infer from the surrounding text that she's not in an amazing state ("severely limited" "twilight and thorns") #paloozawk6

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr There is an emphasis on the phrase 'prime of life' almost seems like this speaker is trying to convince themselves that they are so-called 'thriving'. (1/?)

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr The poem itself is just a small aspect of the complexity of a relationship with God. Like many relationships, even those between humans, there are many hurdles and obstacles that occur because unfortunately this world is not completely black and white.#paloozawk5

[erin kim @erinshinkim]

@drcyslvdr There is irony in that the speaker wants to be broken to become a new person, which is not what you would to become new. It's ironic that Donne is asking for a devastating act or something terrible so that he may be able to connect with God.