FULL NAMES:
STUDENT NUMBER:
MODULE CODE: ENG2602
MODULE NAME: GENRES IN LITERATURE AND
LANGUAGE: THEORY, STYLE AND POETICS
ASSIGNMENT: 03
DUE DATE: 17 AUGUST 2023
NB; CHOOSE ONE QUESTION (ANSWERS) OF THE TWO.
, Question 1: POETRY
John Clare's poem "I Am" is a poignant reflection on the poet's feelings of alienation
and his assertion of individuality. Written during his time at the Northampton General
Lunatic Asylum, the poem delves into Clare's experiences of being disregarded and
abandoned by society, as well as his longing for a place of solace and connection.
Through careful analysis of the poem's diction, poetic techniques, and other features
of language, this essay aims to critically explore how Clare effectively conveys his
emotions of alienation while asserting his unique identity.
Diction: One of the ways in which Clare expresses his feelings of alienation is through
his careful choice of words. In the opening lines, he states, "I am-yet what I am none
cares or knows." The repetition of "I am" emphasizes his existence, but the
subsequent phrase highlights society's indifference towards him. By using the word
"none" and emphasizing the lack of care or knowledge about his identity, Clare
emphasizes his isolation and marginalization.
Furthermore, Clare describes himself as the "self-consumer of my woes." This phrase
highlights the internal nature of his suffering, suggesting that he is consumed by his
own troubles. The use of the word "woes" underscores the depth of his emotional
turmoil, further accentuating his alienation from the external world.
Poetic Techniques: Clare employs various poetic techniques to reinforce his themes
of alienation and individuality. One notable technique is the use of simile in the line,
"Like shadows in love's frenzied stifled throes." Here, Clare compares his fleeting woes
to shadows, emphasizing their transient and insubstantial nature. This simile evokes
a sense of ephemeral existence, reinforcing his alienation and the fleeting nature of
his experiences.
Moreover, Clare utilizes imagery to depict his sense of isolation. He describes himself
as being tossed "Into the nothingness of scorn and noise, Into the living sea of waking
dreams." This vivid imagery suggests the overwhelming and chaotic nature of the
external world, where he feels adrift and disconnected. The juxtaposition of "scorn and
noise" with "waking dreams" further emphasizes the dissonance between his inner
world and the external reality, intensifying his feeling of alienation.
STUDENT NUMBER:
MODULE CODE: ENG2602
MODULE NAME: GENRES IN LITERATURE AND
LANGUAGE: THEORY, STYLE AND POETICS
ASSIGNMENT: 03
DUE DATE: 17 AUGUST 2023
NB; CHOOSE ONE QUESTION (ANSWERS) OF THE TWO.
, Question 1: POETRY
John Clare's poem "I Am" is a poignant reflection on the poet's feelings of alienation
and his assertion of individuality. Written during his time at the Northampton General
Lunatic Asylum, the poem delves into Clare's experiences of being disregarded and
abandoned by society, as well as his longing for a place of solace and connection.
Through careful analysis of the poem's diction, poetic techniques, and other features
of language, this essay aims to critically explore how Clare effectively conveys his
emotions of alienation while asserting his unique identity.
Diction: One of the ways in which Clare expresses his feelings of alienation is through
his careful choice of words. In the opening lines, he states, "I am-yet what I am none
cares or knows." The repetition of "I am" emphasizes his existence, but the
subsequent phrase highlights society's indifference towards him. By using the word
"none" and emphasizing the lack of care or knowledge about his identity, Clare
emphasizes his isolation and marginalization.
Furthermore, Clare describes himself as the "self-consumer of my woes." This phrase
highlights the internal nature of his suffering, suggesting that he is consumed by his
own troubles. The use of the word "woes" underscores the depth of his emotional
turmoil, further accentuating his alienation from the external world.
Poetic Techniques: Clare employs various poetic techniques to reinforce his themes
of alienation and individuality. One notable technique is the use of simile in the line,
"Like shadows in love's frenzied stifled throes." Here, Clare compares his fleeting woes
to shadows, emphasizing their transient and insubstantial nature. This simile evokes
a sense of ephemeral existence, reinforcing his alienation and the fleeting nature of
his experiences.
Moreover, Clare utilizes imagery to depict his sense of isolation. He describes himself
as being tossed "Into the nothingness of scorn and noise, Into the living sea of waking
dreams." This vivid imagery suggests the overwhelming and chaotic nature of the
external world, where he feels adrift and disconnected. The juxtaposition of "scorn and
noise" with "waking dreams" further emphasizes the dissonance between his inner
world and the external reality, intensifying his feeling of alienation.
