Imagery And Characteristics Of A Lyric Poem example essay topic

678 words
Critical Analysis of "Night Clouds" by Amy Lowell With all the time spent looking out into the big ocean of a c laming night sky, what is there to see? A big white fluff of clouds or a sparkle splattered universe. The night heavens are full of surprise and everlasting splendor. A good poem is one that brings out deep thought or intense feeling.

Most every poem written has it's own style and significance giving a reader a deep interpretation. In "Night Clouds" by Amy Lowell, a beautiful, vivid picture of the night sky is portrayed through strong uses of symbolism, imagery, and characteristics of a lyric poem. These techniques are brilliantly drawn together to bring out the essence of this poem. Lowell's colorful imagery paints a grand masterpiece of artwork in the readers mind. By giving great emphasis on descriptive meaning to each line a visual is easily seen as the poem is being read. The line "beating their golden hoofs upon the glass heavens", sets the mares out to be magical with a fairy tale type look, as well as giving a delicate feel to the sky, which is referred to as heaven.

The simple yet elegant wording of this poem brings out such detailed images in one's mind. With the line, "Scatter the milky dust of stars", a thick surrounding of glistening stars shows the magnificence of a beautiful starry night. By means of the line "with one lick of his vermilion tongue", Lowell is giving a sudden color change to the poem as the dark night turns into a bright new day. The imagery of this poem is intensified by the assistance of symbolism. Through symbolism a specific characteristic is given to both night sky and morning sun helping this visional poem come to life. Lowell's representation in this poem lets the mind wonder and think of something normal as something new and exciting; something the mind has never thought of before.

With the line "the white mares of the moon rush along the sky" The mares symbolize the night clouds floating through the darkened sky. "Or the tiger sun will leap upon you and destroy you". This line turns a rising sun into a ferocious tiger battling against the night. The impact of these ideas will forever bring a different look on the mysterious skies.

The word choice and frame of "Night Clouds" enriches a form of lyric poem. Even though this is quite a brief writing, it brings along a great gist. Qualities of a lyric poem include being deeply emotional, which for example the line "strain your utmost" may bring. This line can make one feel empowered or willing, definite strong feelings.

A lyric poem also brings deep thought to the true meaning of a poem. It could be anything from one reader to another, which is why it is so powerful. This poem also has a musical flow to the words as they are read. A dreamy, soft flow that elaborates even more on the outlook of the entire meaning; a flow that works its way through without a single rhyme, yet contains a comforting rhythm. With the use of visually inclined poetic devices this poem is created with a great sense of exquisiteness to the overall outlook. The reader can create a beautifully, detailed picture of this poem through the use of the poets imagery, as well as produce new views on the way of looking at the sky and connecting it to similar things in life because of Lowell's symbolism.

The vibrant flow and deep reflection bring out the lyric from within the poem. It's very inspiring that such words could be pieced together to convey such an immense work of art. So, next time you look at the sky, think about what you see and maybe you can construct a new stunning success as well.