This paper addresses various works of Keats, Plath, and Layton. The author compares and contrasts how each author uses figurative language to portray metaphor, simile, imagery, and personification. This five page paper has seven sources listed in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: TG15_TG3poems.rtf
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For - June 2001 -- properly! Poetry is a celebration of words. It
not only expresses the emotions of the author, but the way in which these words are combined convey a certain mood or tone that influences the poetrys interpretation. These
words are not a random hodgepodge of thoughts, but rather, are pieces of a very intricate puzzle. The words are carefully crafted by the poet to fit together in
such a way that, when read, can paint vivid images, conjure similarities of dissimilar concepts, and breathe life into things and inanimate objects. Figurative language is the poets most
powerful tool to express the poems theme, and usually takes the forms of imagery, metaphor, personification and simile. A poet may choose to concentrate on one specific type of
figurative language, or employ several. Three poems which make masterful use of figurative language are Sylvia Plaths "Lady Lazarus," John Keats "To Autumn," and Irving Laytons "Berry Picking."
Each of these poets, just by mere mention of their names, create an immediate impression on the reader. Plath, for example, is best-known for her preoccupation with death, especially
her own, and ultimately committed suicide in 1963, one year after completing "Lady Lazarus;" Keats was noted for his romantic naturalism; and Layton has been renowned for his irreverent sarcasm.
Imagery (or symbolism) is the way in which the poet generates a certain impression in the readers minds. The title "Lady Lazarus," instantly alerts readers that there is going
to be religious symbolism present, as this is a reference to the man Jesus miraculously raised from the dead. Theresa Collins observed in her criticism of "Lady Lazarus" that,