Burning: Poetry Explication Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

The poem Burning can be regarded as an example of free verse; this means that the author does adhere to a certain rhyming pattern or meter (Cushman and Cavanagh 524). Furthermore, one can say that this literary work allows different interpretations and responses of the readers.

Overall, it is possible to say that this poem explores the feelings of profound loss; it depicts the downfall of something that has been an inseparable part of people’s life. This is the most important issue that should be discussed in this paper.

One of the details that attract the attention of the readers is that the writer does not following a specific musical pattern while writing this poem. The lines of this poem differ in terms such criteria as the number of syllables and meter. Moreover, one cannot speak about any distinct rhyme scheme that the writer adheres to. The following lines eloquently illustrate this argument,

“They take it into their arms,

passionately,

as they squeeze out its last warm

breath of life” (Anonymous 1-4).

It is difficult to say if this approach to musical devices can be linked to the theme of a poem. Nevertheless, it indicates that the author is more concerned with the expressive power of the literary work, rather than its formal elements. This approach often gives more opportunities to the author.

This poem also contains sensory images that are related to touch, sight, and sound. In this way, the writer wants to emphasize the experiences of an individual who witnesses the demise of something that could be a symbol of power or beauty. It is possible to give several examples illustrating the use of sensory images.

For instance, one can look at the following sentence, “the last time a dying bell calls, its voice choked on maroon smoke” (Anonymous 15-16). Furthermore, the writer creates a powerful image of fire with the help of the following line, ‘’their fiery tongues spray high blood-red, golden red” (Anonymous 5-6). In this way, the author portrays a certain building that is consumed by fire.

Nevertheless, this poem contains very unusual sensory images. For example, when speaking about a wooden frame, the writer asks a question, “Can you hear it aching?” (Anonymous 9). On the whole, sensory images help the author explore the experiences of a person who observes the destruction of something valuable or beautiful. This is one of the main arguments that can be put forward.

Furthermore, the writer relies on figurative language that is supposed to intensify the feeling of loss. For instance, one can mention that the author relies on personification while describing physical objects. Such a technique as personification means that inanimate things acquire the attributes of a living being (Moen 62).

In particular, one can refer to the cases as “dying bell” or “the fiery tongues” (Anonymous 15, 5). Furthermore, this poem contains powerful epithets that help to create a vivid picture of fire consumes a building. For instance, one can mention such an epithet as “ferocious meal” (Anonymous 17). These examples show that figurative language makes this poem more potent or impressive.

On the whole, the poem Burning can give rise to various interpretations; still, it seems that the author mostly focuses on the feelings and emotions of a person at the time when he/she sees the annihilation of beautiful things. With the help of sensory images, figurative language, the author is able to produce a long-lasting impression on the reader. These are the most important aspects that one can identify.

List of Selected Literary Items

  1. Free verse
  2. Sensory images
  3. Personification

Works Cited

Anonymous. Burning. 2008. Print.

Cushman, Stephen, and C. Cavanagh. The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics: Fourth Edition, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2012. Print.

Moen, Christine. Sensational Sentences, New York: Lorenz Educational Press, 2003. Print.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2019, April 23). Burning: Poetry Explication. https://ivypanda.com/essays/burning-poetry-explication-essay-essay/

Work Cited

"Burning: Poetry Explication." IvyPanda, 23 Apr. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/burning-poetry-explication-essay-essay/.

References

IvyPanda. (2019) 'Burning: Poetry Explication'. 23 April.

References

IvyPanda. 2019. "Burning: Poetry Explication." April 23, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/burning-poetry-explication-essay-essay/.

1. IvyPanda. "Burning: Poetry Explication." April 23, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/burning-poetry-explication-essay-essay/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Burning: Poetry Explication." April 23, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/burning-poetry-explication-essay-essay/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1