Examine the techniques used by one poet to convey the significance of an experience or an event, which gave rise to a poem, or sequence of poems.

The Almond Tree by Jon Stallworthy describes through the eyes of an expectant father's supreme emotional joy at the prospect of the birth of this child. The excitement and joy turn to despair and hopelessness when he is told that his son is a Mongol.

The poem begins on an optimistic tone and the poet conveys this prospect by giving life to objects, which are normally dull and go, unnoticed;

Trees of black iron and lights as green as peppermints

The poet uses a fairytale image to create a lack of realism in order to re-enforce the optimistic tone

As if I were the lucky prince in an enchanted wood

However the poet uses this technique further on in the poem to convey his devastation when realising the he will not be able to communicate with his son because of his disability;

Never to come ashore into my kingdom speaking my language

This once again stresses his anticipation and excitement at the prospect of becoming a father. The poet also uses personification as he describes the symbolic almond tree waving him.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 785
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)