Poem at 39 by Alice Walker

Simile in 'Poem at 39'

• The poem uses the simile 'cooked like a person in a yoga meditation' to symbolize his love for food and how calm and passionate about it he was.

• The poem uses the simile 'as bright as the sun' to describe the beauty of nature.

• The poem uses the simile 'like a bird in a cage' to express feelings of confinement.

• The poem uses the simile 'as fast as lightning' to illustrate the speed of time.

Linguistic Techniques in 'Poem at 39'

• Walker uses alliteration and metaphor to convey joy and celebration.

• Walker uses repetition and vivid imagery, such as 'how I miss my father' to emphasize longing and reflection.

• Walker employs irony and symbolism to depict loss and despair.

• Walker utilizes hyperbole and personification to express nostalgia and happiness.

Historical Context of 'Poem at 39'

• The poem reflects the socio-cultural background of the time, highlighting the role of family and personal growth in the late 20th century.

• The poem focuses on the political upheaval of the early 21st century.

• The poem discusses the technological advancements and their impact on society.

• The poem critiques the environmental issues faced in the 19th century.

Semantic field of finances in 'Poem at 39'

• Walker uses terms like 'deposit slips', 'checks', and 'savings account' to illustrate his carefulness with money.

• Walker uses terms like 'bills', 'loans', and 'interest rates' to illustrate his carefulness with money.

• Walker uses terms like 'wealth', 'investment', and 'assets' to illustrate his carefulness with money.

• Walker uses terms like 'spending', 'debt', and 'credit score' to illustrate his carefulness with money.

Theme of Memory in 'Poem at 39'

• The theme of memory is central to the poem, as the speaker reflects on past experiences and the enduring influence of their father.

• The poem focuses on the theme of love and its fleeting nature.

• The theme of memory is irrelevant to the poem's overall message.

• The poem explores the theme of nature and its beauty.

Emotional Impact of 'Poem at 39'

• The poem's emotional impact lies in its ability to connect personal memories with universal themes of family and legacy.

• The poem focuses solely on the author's childhood experiences without any broader implications.

• The poem emphasizes the importance of nature and its influence on human emotions.

• The poem critiques societal norms and their impact on personal relationships.

Alliteration in 'Poem at 39'

• Walker employs alliteration to create rhythm and emphasize key emotions and themes within the poem.

• Alliteration is used to confuse the reader and obscure the poem's meaning.

• Walker avoids alliteration to maintain a straightforward narrative style.

• Alliteration is used solely for decorative purposes without any thematic significance.

Repetition in 'Poem at 39'

• Repetition is used to emphasize the speaker's longing and the enduring impact of their father's teachings.

• Repetition is used to create a rhythmic pattern that enhances the poem's musicality.

• Repetition serves to confuse the reader and detracts from the poem's message.

• Repetition is used to highlight the speaker's anger and frustration towards their father.

Effect on Reader of 'Poem at 39'

• The poem evokes a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for parental influence, encouraging readers to reflect on their own familial relationships.

• The poem primarily focuses on the beauty of nature and its impact on human emotions.

• The poem critiques societal norms and encourages rebellion against traditional values.

• The poem describes a journey through time, emphasizing the importance of personal achievements.

Contrast in 'Poem at 39'

• The poem focuses solely on the speaker's childhood memories.

• The poem contrasts the speaker's past and present, highlighting growth and the lasting impact of the father's teachings.

• The poem emphasizes the beauty of nature without any personal reflection.

• The poem discusses the speaker's relationship with their mother instead of their father.