Identify the figures of speeches used in the poem “To Autumn”.
John Keats’s (1995-1821) poem “To Autumn” (1820) is full of beauty and meaning. Keats uses many figures of speech to show the richness and peace of the autumn season. These figures of speech make the poem vivid and emotional. The most important ones are personification, imagery, and symbolism.
Personification: Keats personifies autumn as a close friend of the sun. He says, “Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun.” This means autumn and the sun work together to ripen fruits and flowers. Autumn is given human qualities, like conspiring with the sun (“Conspiring with him how to load and bless”). This makes the season feel alive, as if it has a personality.
Imagery: The poem has strong imagery that helps us imagine the beauty of autumn. Keats describes ripe fruits, swelling gourds, and plump hazelnuts. These words create clear pictures of nature’s abundance. He also talks about mist and flowers, which make the season feel calm and full of life.
Symbolism: Autumn symbolizes maturity and fulfillment. The ripened fruits and full honeycombs show that everything is complete and ready. This can also symbolize the cycle of life, where autumn represents adulthood and preparation for winter or old age.
Keats uses these figures of speech to make the poem beautiful and meaningful. It shows how nature is rich, alive, and full of emotions.