Poetry Analysis Essay on Describe Yourself in Three Words or Less

Part I: Scansion and Analysis

The poem titled "Describe Yourself in Three Words or Less" is written by a talented poet Rita Dove, who uses the poem to empower people on the need to defy the stereotypes in the society. She uses her own life story and experiences to make the message clear to the readers and ensure that she reaches out in the most effective manner. The poem contains 22 lines and three stanzas which do not contain any words of the title in them. The poem in its entirety does not have any rhyme in it as the poet just speaks her mind in the poem using words that she thinks are favourable in putting out the message as opposed to using words that rhyme. There is use of break lines throughout the poem, as the poet appears to make the poem a free verse. The use of personification is inherent in the poem in what can be described as a monotone. This poem does use formal language there is not really any slang being used throughout the poem (Dove). She does use some metaphors to attempt to get her point across. In the poem, the poet compares her persona to that of object which she feels she is contrast to. The use of formal language is utilized in the poem, where the poet does not use slang language or any other form of foul language in the poem. This is to say that the diction is in conformity to the English language as the author observes the use of correct English words as well as proper punctuation where necessary in the poem. Despite the absence of rhymes in the poem, the work is somehow lyrical as the author blends words that appear to produce a perceived sound. The poem's organization is flawless as it fits well in the age where it does utilize the page space correctly and allows the reader to use minimal time to scroll through it. Rita Dove in this narrative poem, ensures that the readers grasp the message by using herself as an example and deviating from any hidden meanings (Dove).

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Part II: Explication

The poem tries to paint a picture that there are certain stereotypes in the society that one is expected to abide by, and the poet in the poem tries to elaborate that not everybody fits or abide by the stereotypes set in the society. In so doing, she uses objects and various themes in the poem to spread the message. The combination of humor as well as sexuality is present in the poem, where the poet tries to incept the idea that stereotyping is a norm that should be discarded by a person who conforms to their own thinking and ideas. Rita Dove utilizes metaphoric language, characterization, and symbolism in the poem to bring to light the dominance of empowerment in defying the stereotypes in the society. Dove writes the poem as herself, where characterization is depicted in the poem through the aspects of; hope for change, defiance, denounce of being categorized, and sexuality as a tool for human connection. "Whether they drift off / maddened, moon-rinsed, / or dock in the morning / scuff and chastened-- / is simply how it is, and I gather them in (Dove)," these words elaborate the above described aspects in the poem. The poet uses metaphoric language in the following line; "Each night I set my boats to sea / and leave them to their bawdy business (Dove)." In the line, the poet compares her thoughts to boats, where also she establishes a sexual sense in the poem by the use of the word; "bawdy." Symbolism is present in the poem in the following statement: "Then I sing / to the bright-beaked bird outside, / then to the manicured spider / between the window and the screen." In the statement, the poet uses the two items; bright-beaked bird and manicured spider to show the avoidance of stereotyping as they are not normally witnessed creatures (Dove). This is symbolism in its nature. The dove conveys the contrast in stereotyping, painting the picture of the uniqueness of every living person. There is recurring imagery in the poem, where the poet tries to show how wrong imagery is, and that people should defy the odds in life. In the poem, the poet seems to over describe and reiterate on her persona as she describes her character and way of thinking, by refusing to describe herself in the title of the poem; "Describe Yourself in Three Words or Less (Dove)." In this regard, there is irony in the poem's title that the author tries to point out.

Works Cited

Dove, Rita. Describe Yourself in Three Words or Less.