FLAMINGO (Eng.

Core XII) (Poetry section)

Theme: The inevitability of aging and the emotional pain of separation. The poem captures the
poet’s fear of losing her mother and the universal reality of human mortality.
Tone: Nostalgic, melancholic, and reflective.
Poetic Devices:
Simile: “as a late winter’s moon” – The mother’s pale and aging face is compared to the waning
moon.
Alliteration: “My mother”, “I looked again” – Repetition of initial consonant sounds for emphasis.
Personification: “Trees sprinting” – The moving trees seen from the car are given human-like
qualities.
Contrast: The mother’s aging face is contrasted with the youthful image of children running out
of their homes.
Repetition – “smile and smile and smile”
The repetition emphasizes the poet’s attempt to hide her pain by forcing a smile, showing her
emotional struggle in parting from her mother.
Imagery – “wan, pale as a late winter’s moon”
The visual description of the mother’s face helps the reader picture her frail and weak state,
reinforcing the theme of aging.
Symbolism – “late winter’s moon”
The winter moon symbolizes old age, loneliness, and the inevitability of death.
2.​ Keeping Quiet (By Pablo Neruda)
Theme: The importance of introspection, peace, and unity among humans. The poem
encourages stillness and self-reflection for a better world.
Tone: Calm, meditative, and persuasive.
Poetic Devices:
Alliteration: “we would”, “sudden strangeness” – Repetition of consonant sounds for rhythm.
Metaphor: “Let’s not speak in any language” – Silence is compared to universal peace.
Repetition: “without rush, without engines” – Emphasizes the need for stillness and reflection.
Imagery: “Fishermen in the cold sea” – Creates a vivid mental picture of nature and human
activities.
Personification – “Earth can teach us”
The Earth is given human qualities, as if it can guide and educate us about life and renewal.
Symbolism – “count to twelve”
The number twelve symbolizes time, completeness (12 months, 12 hours), and unity, urging
people to pause and reflect.
3.​ A Thing of Beauty (By John Keats)
Theme: The everlasting nature of beauty and its power to provide joy and solace. The poem
emphasizes how beauty uplifts the human spirit.
Tone: Optimistic, romantic, and philosophical.
Poetic Devices: Metaphor: “A bower quiet for us” – Beauty is compared to a shady, comforting
place.
Alliteration: “Some shape of beauty” – Repetition of consonant sounds for a musical effect.
Personification: “The sun, the moon, trees old and young” – Natural elements are given human
qualities.
Imagery: “Endless fountain of immortal drink” – Creates a vivid picture of eternal beauty and joy.
Personification – “The sun, the moon, trees old and young”
Nature is given human qualities to emphasize its nurturing and eternal beauty.
Symbolism – “simple sheep”
The sheep symbolize innocence and purity, reinforcing the theme of beauty as a guiding force.
Enjambment – Lines flow into the next without punctuation
This device maintains the poem’s smooth rhythm and enhances its natural flow.
4.​ A Roadside Stand (By Robert Frost)
Theme: The struggles of rural people and the insensitivity of the urban population towards
them. The poem critiques economic inequality and social injustice.
Tone: Sarcastic, sympathetic, and critical.
Poetic Devices:
Alliteration: “roadside stand”, “greedy good-doers” – Repetition of consonant sounds for
emphasis.
Personification: “The sadness that lurks behind” – Sadness is given human characteristics.
Imagery: “pathetic terms of trade” – Evokes a strong visual and emotional response.
Irony: The so-called helpers of the poor exploit them instead of uplifting them.
Symbolism – The roadside stand symbolizes the struggles of small farmers
It represents the dreams and hardships of rural people trying to earn a living in a world
dominated by the wealthy.
5.​ Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers (By Adrienne Rich)
Theme: Feminism and the oppression of women in a patriarchal society. The poem contrasts
Aunt Jennifer’s fearful life with the strength and confidence of the tigers she embroiders.
Tone: Sad, serious, and defiant.
Poetic Devices: Metaphor: “Bright topaz denizens of a world of green” – Tigers are compared
to topaz, symbolizing strength and vibrancy.
Alliteration: “fingers fluttering”, “prancing proud” – Enhances rhythm and flow.
Symbolism: Tigers symbolize fearlessness, contrasting with Aunt Jennifer’s oppression.
Imagery: “The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band” – Suggests the burden of marriage
and societal expectations.
Contrast – Between Aunt Jennifer and the tigers
The tigers are fearless and free, whereas Aunt Jennifer is weak and burdened, highlighting her
suppressed existence.
Personification – “Tigers prance across a screen”
The tigers are given human-like qualities of movement and pride, emphasizing their power and
freedom.