Poem in October : Literary devices
Poem in October is a notable literary work by Dylan Thomas. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Poem in October.
Literary devices
Figures of Speech
Metaphor
A metaphor is when one thing is compared to another without using “like” or “as.”
Example: “It was my thirtieth year to heaven.”
Here, the poet does not mean he is literally going to heaven. He uses “heaven” as a metaphor for life, joy, and the blessings of nature.
Personification
Personification means giving human qualities to non-human things.
Example: “The morning beckon / With water praying…”
Here, water is also personified as if it can pray. This makes nature feel alive and spiritual, like a human companion of the poet.
Repetition
Repetition means using the same words or phrases again and again for emphasis.
Example: “And there could I marvel my birthday / Away but the weather turned around.”
The phrase “the weather turned around” appears twice in the poem. This repetition shows the sudden change in mood, and also connects his present birthday with his childhood memories.
Symbols
Summer: Summer in the poem is a symbol of youth and childhood. It stands for joy, energy, and innocence. The poet remembers his “summertime” as a child when everything felt bright and magical. Summer here means the happy and playful time of life.
Autumn: Autumn is a symbol of adulthood and aging. It represents change, maturity, and the passing of time. On his thirtieth birthday, the poet feels he is in the “autumn” of life. Yet, autumn also brings memories of summer. It shows that childhood joy still lives inside him.
Autumn Shower: The autumn shower symbolizes the memories of past life. As the rain falls, the poet feels it is “a shower of all my days.” The drops of rain remind him of childhood and youth.