Topic > Poetic Devices in "Behind Mama's House"

IndexImageryMetaphorRepetitionAlliterationEnjambmentConclusion"Behind Mama's House" is a poem that explores the themes of nostalgia, family, and memory. Written by acclaimed poet Marita Golden, this piece is full of poetic devices that enhance the beauty and emotional impact of poetry. In this essay we will analyze the various 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayImagesOne 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 nostalgia and longing. For example, the poem opens with the lines "Honeysuckle vines twist, / the way we twisted them, / to swing, to wear as crowns." These lines create a vivid image of 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 between the "cherry branches" and "our lives". This metaphorical comparison suggests that the cherry tree, with its twisting, elongating branches, represents the interconnectedness 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 mother'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. Furthermore, the repetition of this phrase creates a feeling of nostalgia and longing as the speaker reflects on the meaning 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 phrase “The honeysuckle vitining twisting” 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 slow-roasting meat", where the repeated "s" sound emphasizes the sensory experience of the food being cooked. By using alliteration, Golden enhances the poem's musicality and impact, 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 often uses enjambement to transport the reader from one line to the next without pause, creating a sense of fluidity and continuity in the poem. This technique is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's stream of consciousness as he recalls 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. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay ConclusionIn In conclusion, "Behind Mama's House" is a poem full of poetic devices that enhance its emotional impact and thematic depth..