Allusions and metaphors are important poetic devices that add layers of depth to a piece of writing.

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Allusions and metaphors are important poetic devices that add layers of depth to a piece of writing. This exercise asks you 1.) to choose a poem that contains a lot of allusions or metaphors and 2.) to explain how those allusions and metaphors contribute to the meaning of the poem. What you need to do: 1. Choose a poem or set of song lyrics that you like. The text you choose should have several examples of allusions or metaphors in it. 2.Using Track Changes in Microsoft Word, highlight and add comments to the allusions or metaphors. Each comment should address the following questions a. What does the metaphor mean or what other text is the allusion you’ve identified referring to? b. How does that allusion or metaphor contribute to your understanding of the

the following questions a. What does the metaphor mean or what other text is the allusion you’ve identified referring to? b. How does that allusion or metaphor contribute to your understanding of the meaning of the song? I’ve attached a sample analysis of the allusions in a classic Kanye West song to show what a completed assignment should look like.

 

Sample Solution

Choosing a Poem or Song Lyrics

For this exercise, I’ll choose the classic Bob Dylan song “Blowin’ in the Wind.” This song is rich with metaphors and allusions that contribute to its timeless message of hope and questioning the meaning of life.

Analyzing Allusions and Metaphors

Verse 1:

How many roads must a man walk down Before you call him a man? How many seas must a white dove fly Before she sleeps in the sand?

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  • Metaphor: “How many roads must a man walk down” – This metaphor suggests the journey of life and the experiences one must go through to become a truly wise and understanding individual.

Verse 2:

How many times must a man look up Before he sees the sky? How many times must a man turn around Before he knows which way to go?

  • Metaphor: “How many times must a man look up” – This metaphor symbolizes the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Verse 3:

Yes, ‘n how many years can a mountain exist Before it crumbles? How many times must a man look up Before he knows he’s free?

  • Metaphor: “How many years can a mountain exist” – This metaphor represents the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

Chorus:

Blowin’ in the wind, blowin’ in the wind The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.

  • Allusion: The repeated phrase “blowin’ in the wind” alludes to the elusive nature of answers to life’s biggest questions. It suggests that the answers are constantly changing and evolving.

Explanation of Significance

The allusions and metaphors in “Blowin’ in the Wind” contribute to the song’s overall meaning by creating a sense of mystery, wonder, and contemplation. The repeated questions and the elusive answers suggest that life is a journey filled with uncertainty and that ultimate truths may be beyond our grasp. The use of natural imagery, such as roads, seas, and mountains, helps to create a universal and timeless quality to the song’s message.

 

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