How has poetry you have studied this year developed your appreciation of other times and other places?

Essay by guitarist19High School, 12th gradeA+, July 2007

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Jake Clarke


Poetry is the language of the soul; a language shared by all but understood only by the minority that take the time to listen and feel its tune. The impression created by the words and lyrics of a poem is perhaps the most powerful form of reflection that has ever existed. Poetry sanctions creativity and expression. It bestows the freedom to reflect on events and accomplishments experienced by every individual. The power of the imagination is the power to create, and through the power of creation; beliefs, appreciations and truths specific to every individual are shaped. Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Lee Frost are two classic poets that evoke appreciations from readers. Each poem is embedded with meanings that draw particular presumptions. Through these meanings, poets communicate persuasions that compel the reader to imagine the times and places the poem was written in.

Poe and Frost are two poets that centre deeply on metaphors and philosophy raising questions such as- 'What is reality?', 'What is real?' and perhaps the most quintessential 'What is the meaning of life?' 'A Dream Within A Dream' and 'Eldorado' by Poe and 'Nothing Gold Can Stay' and 'The Road Not Taken' by Frost are no exception.

Throughout 'A Dream Within A Dream' Poe uses continuous sounds ('Take this kiss upon the brow / And in parting from you now. / Thus much let me avow-') and eerie diction to create a very mellow, trancelike setting for his poem. This serves two purposes - to enforce the 'dream' that is the title of the poem, and also lull the reader. This communicates how people become engrossed in the rhythms of everyday life and forget we...