“The Red Wheelbarrow” Poem by Williams Essay

There are several poetic devices used in The Red Wheelbarrow; these include juxtaposition, alliteration, and imagery. In the case of The Red Wheelbarrow, juxtaposition may be non-obvious at first, yet I believe that Williams employs that poetic device while describing the red wheelbarrow. The comparison is between the importance that Williams gives to the wheelbarrow and the perception of a wheelbarrow that any reader has. Such a juxtaposition leaves the reader surprised and guessing about Williams’ point of view. Imagery can be considered Williams’ primary tool as he draws lively yet straightforward images in the minds of readers with his words. Because the whole poem consists of sixteen words, these images receive additional emphasis as they are not drowning in other ideas and concepts. Therefore, imagery creates pictures that become deeply embedded in memory. They make the reader think about them and try to understand the meaning and importance that the author put into these concepts. There are several examples of alliteration utilization in the poem, for instance, the words ‘barrow’ and ‘besides,’ ‘wheel’ and ‘white.’

The poem’s content is brief, but as mentioned already, it makes one stop and thinks about the significance of everyday things. Moreover, it helps appreciate the moment – the poem creates a warm and nostalgic feeling, while the image acquires details in one’s head. Another idea that may have been put into the poem by Williams is the concept of the closeness of man and nature. Wheelbarrow – a human tool of labor – is put into the context of a purely natural environment, and this fusion of natural and human is given in a very positive connotation.