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Contemporary poetry often serves as a powerful medium for expressing complex emotions and societal reflections. In this analysis, we delve into the works of John Agard's 'Flag' and Simon Armitage's 'Out of the Blue,' exploring how each poet skillfully employs literary devices to convey distinct perspectives on conflict and its impact.
In Agard's 'Flag,' the poet employs a compelling pattern of rhetorical questions at the outset of each stanza, skillfully unraveling their answers by the stanza's conclusion.
This technique serves to create a profound effect, guiding the reader towards a nuanced understanding of the flag's significance. For instance, Agard writes, "What's that fluttering in a breeze? It's just a piece of cloth that brings a nation to its knees." Here, the present tense, marked by participles like 'fluttering,' situates the poem in the contemporary moment.
The thematic core of 'Flag' revolves around patriotism, with the flag symbolizing the spirit and hope of those engaged in war.
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The repetition of the second line in each stanza intensifies the reader's contemplation of the profound influence of this "piece of cloth." Moreover, Agard strategically incorporates imagery, such as the mention of a "tent," which evokes the atmosphere of a military camp, vividly illustrating the poem's connection to war and the battlefield.
Contrasting Agard's focus on patriotism, Armitage's 'Out of the Blue' delves into the thoughts and emotions of a 9/11 victim trapped in a burning building. The tone of desperation and pleading permeates the poem, exemplified by lines like, "I trying and trying.
The heat behind me is bullying, driving." Armitage masterfully utilizes enjambment and caesura breaks to intensify the terror of the situation, with phrases like "The depth is appalling. Appalling" echoing the horror of the moment.
Repetition plays a crucial role in both poems, emphasizing the gravity of their respective situations. In 'Out of the Blue,' Armitage repeats phrases like "I am waving, waving," underscoring the victim's determined struggle for survival. Furthermore, alliteration surfaces in Armitage's work, as seen in "a white cotton shirt is twirling, turning." This not only draws attention to the image but also symbolizes peace, portraying the victim as a relatable figure—perhaps a brother, husband, or son.
While both poems share a thematic foundation in conflict, they diverge significantly in style and perspective. Agard's 'Flag' provides a poignant exploration of patriotism and the symbolic power of a national flag on the battlefield. In contrast, Armitage's 'Out of the Blue' offers a harrowing portrayal of an individual caught in the chaos of 9/11, accentuating the desperate struggle for survival.
Despite their differences, both poets skillfully structure their works, leaving readers contemplative about the intricate thoughts and emotions embedded in the verses. Agard's use of repetition and imagery, coupled with Armitage's employment of enjambment and alliteration, showcases the diverse ways poets can convey the intensity of conflict through language.
In conclusion, the examination of 'Flag' and 'Out of the Blue' illuminates the multifaceted nature of conflict within the realm of poetry. Through distinct stylistic choices and thematic emphasis, Agard and Armitage provide readers with profound insights into the human experience amidst war and tragedy, making a lasting impact on the exploration of these universal themes.
Exploring Themes of Conflict: Analyzing 'Flag' and 'Out of the Blue'. (2017, Sep 17). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/out-of-the-blue-poem-analysis-essay
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