PO2 - Lesson: Comparisons

A golden retriever dog lays on a path in the woods.Comparisons

In Unit 2 you learned about two common types of comparisons: similes and metaphors. In this Unit, we will add two more comparisons: personification and allusions.

Allusions and personification enhance comparisons by drawing on familiar cultural or literary references to evoke specific emotions or images. Like metaphors and similes, allusions bring existing ideas into a new context, allowing readers to connect with shared knowledge and experiences. Personification, on the other hand, imbues inanimate objects or abstract concepts with human qualities, creating vivid and relatable comparisons that enhance the overall understanding and impact of the writing.

Understanding Personification and Allusion

Understanding how personification and allusions function in a poem goes beyond mere identification; it involves recognizing their nuanced contributions to the poem's meaning and emotional resonance. Delving into the contextual significance and cultural references embedded in these literary devices allows readers to grasp the deeper layers of the poet's intent, enriching the overall experience and interpretation of the poem.

Consider a Sonnet that is built upon personification: “Golden Retrievals” by Mark Doty (2008B).

Fetch? Balls and sticks capture my attention
seconds at a time. Catch? I don’t think so.
Bunny, tumbling leaf, a squirrel who’s—oh
joy—actually scared. Sniff the wind, then

I’m off again: muck, pond, ditch, residue
of any thrillingly dead thing. And you?
Either you’re sunk in the past, half our walk,
thinking of what you never can bring back,

or else you’re off in some fog concerning
—tomorrow, is that what you call it? My work:
to unsnare time’s warp (and woof!), retrieving,
my haze-headed friend, you. This shining bark,

a Zen master’s bronzy gong, calls you here,
entirely, now: bow-wow, bow-wow, bow-wow.

A zen gong being struck with a mallet.

Analyzing Comparisons

Once you have identified the overall personification, then you would need to develop how this literary device contributes to the overall meaning of the poem.

Here is a sample paragraph:

With the word "Fetch," the use of personification transforms the speaker's canine perspective into a vibrant and engaging narrative. The balls and sticks not only capture the dog's attention but also create a dynamic interaction with the world. The speaker's observation of the owner's preoccupations, whether dwelling on the past or getting lost in future concerns, emphasizes the dog's role as a grounding force, seeking to un-snare time's complexities. The personified "shining bark," akin to a Zen master's gong, becomes a beckoning call, highlighting the immediacy and mindfulness inherent in the dog's existence, contrasted with the human tendency to be entangled in temporal complexities.

Finally, also notice that there is an allusion to a Zen master’s gong (see image included with the poem above). We will explore how allusions can also contribute to meaning with the next exercise.

Practice Activity

To complete the following activity, you will need to use the Poetry Essay Prompts for AP English Literature Exams Links to an external site. handout.

Read "The History Teacher" by Billy Collins from the 2007 Exam. Answer the following multiple-choice questions about how the poem uses allusions to create understatement.

Reflection

A modest poem can contain several significant words and phrases. After pinpointing a few of the most crucial words in a poem, consistent practice allows you to broaden your analysis from a single sentence to an entire paragraph. As you hone your skills in poem analysis, strive to amplify your examination, exploring the depth that can be derived from just one or two pivotal points.

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Portrait of a dog: Olena Brodetska/Shutterstock.com. Image used under license from Shutterstock.com and may not be repurposed.
Close up of male hand with mallet hitting temple gong: Sinn P. Photography/Shutterstock.com. Image used under license from Shutterstock.com and may not be repurposed.