Use of Indirect Message and Contrast in Poetry

A detailed Summary of Use of Indirect Message and Contrast in Poetry

Poets must utilize many tools and techniques to create a mood or convey a thought. Metaphor, simile, spacing, form, voice, and setting are all common poetic utilities. Some tools, however, are more understated. Some of the more delicate methods used by poets are rhythm, language, and the consistency of the theme throughout the poem. One work that makes use of inconsistent theme is Edna St. Vincent Millay's sonnet "Love Is Not All: It Is Not Meat nor Drink" (page 936). This poem uses indirect theme and abrupt change in message to add more emphasis the meaning of the poem. By beginning the poem with an image that contrasts the main theme, the poet is able to inflict a more vivid impression on the reader.

Even the title of Millay's sonnet gives us an idea of what the poem's theme is likely to be. "Love is not all" suggests that the persona is decrying love. It prepares the reader for a put-down of love and all things romantic. Millay proceeds to use a group of anti-similes that declare what love is not; "it is not meat nor drink," therefor we presumably can not live without it. Love will not refresh you or protect you from the elements, as it is not "slumber nor a roo

The turning point of the poem is the seventh line. "Yet many a man is making friends with death / Even as I speak, for lack of love alone" contradicts everything the reader is led to believe thus far. The following lines are equally contrary to the initial message. They state that though love may not be absolutely necessary, life is hardly worth living without it. The persona states that though in a time of "nagging by want past resolution's power" she could trade her lover's affection for a moment of relief, she doubts that she would.

f against the rain." She then relates love to "a floating spar to men that sink," stating that it will not support you in times of disaster. The entire first six lines generally knock love by declaring it useless and unsubstantial. After reading this the reader jumps to the conclusion that they know what Millay's message is.

Contrast is a very effective tool in poetry. Just as clever metaphor and innuendo catch the reader's attention and emphasize a point more authoritatively than simple statement; contrast leaves a thought with a reader long after they have read the poem. Millay utilizes several forms of contrast in "Love Is Not All," the result bein

Some common words found in the essay are:
Love Meat, Poetry Poets, change message, Vincent Millay's, love meat nor, nor drink, meat nor drink, sonnet lines, millay's sonnet, love meat, reader's attention, meat nor, rhyme scheme,

Approximate Word count = 813
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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Use of Indirect Message and Contrast in Poetry

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