The Tower : literary devices

W.B. Yeats uses various literary devices in his collection of poems, “The Tower.” Here, we describe some necessary literary devices.

Imagery: Yeats uses vivid and evocative imagery to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. He marks nature and mythology to create striking visual and sensory descriptions.

Symbolism: Yeats uses symbols to convey deeper meanings. For example, the tower can symbolize spiritual and creative seeking, while other symbols like birds, stars, and stones are symbolic.

Metaphor: In the poem, years mentions Metaphors to compare unlike things.

Allusion: Yeats indicates his poems’ historical events like mythological figures and literary works. His references to Irish history, folklore, and the works of other poets add depth to his poetry.

Personification: In some poems, Yeats displays abstract concepts or objects, such as the “Winding Stair,” which becomes a character in its own right.

Metonymy: This device concerns substituting one word or phrase with another closely related word. Yeats might employ metonymy to refer to a nation or culture through a specific symbol or characteristic.

Irony: Yeats uses irony to contrast or reveal more profound truths. Depending on the context, this can be situational, dramatic, or verbal irony.

Paradox: Yeats employs paradoxes, seemingly contradictory statements that reveal more profound truths or complexities. These paradoxes often reflect the themes of the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of history.