An Analysis Of Love Poems English Literature Essay

An Analysis Of Love Poems English Literature Essay The most common way people express themselves is through poems. People can express multiple different emotions through poetry, love being the most popular. Love poems can be written in different fashions. They can be written directly to someone, as in a wife girlfriend or just someone whom you care for dearly, or in a general sense. I have found it has a bigger impact when you write a poem to an individual person rather than a general poem. Poetry predates literacy and was used by ancient civilizations for oral records for their traditions, laws, and history. Some of the first forms of oral history were the use of epic poems. Some of the earliest poetry was orally recited or sung. With advancements in writing, poetry has developed into more structured forms. Poetry has veered from traditional formats to more of a free verse and prose format. As a civilization we have developed a multitude of forms of expressing ourselves. The greatest contributing factor is our emotions themselves. As our emotions develop and become more complex, so does our writing of poetry. In this we find ourselves using different figures of speech in our writing. Some of these include the use of; similes, metaphors, alliteration, and euphemism. Within these few figures of speech you will find even more sub categories such as for the metaphor; dead metaphor, extended metaphor, mixed metaphor, and absolute metaphor. The first poem that I will be discussing is How Do I Love Thee? by Elizabeth Browning. For this poem love seems to be everything. The author tries to list different kinds of love and tries to define the different relationships between them. She finds herself finding out a different way of showing her love towards thee. The author poses a question in the first line How do I love thee? (Line 1), and tries to answer the question throughout the rest of the poem. The lines I love thee to the depth and breadth and height (Line 2), My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight (Line 3), For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. (Line 4), you can see that the author uses metaphor to express her love by comparing her soul to a tangible object. In these lines I love thee to the level of everydays (Line 5), Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight. (Line 6), you can see that they are the only lines in this poem that show concrete imagery but even still these arent things that you could hold in your hands, they just describe kinds of light. Even still it is more of an abstract or vague lyric that seems to be of another world. The lines I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; (Line 7), I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. (Line 8), I love thee with the passion put to use (Line 9), you can see the use of anaphora, where they all begin the line with I love thee, which give the poem more of a parallel structure, like as in a list of showing ways that she loves this person. With the last line I shall but love thee better after death., makes me think that with her loving someone better after death is more of a hyperbole than anything else. Overall this poem is one of the more straightforward poems that I chose. It was easier to read and understand, with not a lot of highly complicated or deeper meanings to dissect. The next poem that I will be discussing is Shall I compare thee to a summers day (Sonnet 18) by William Shakespeare. In the first line the author asks a question, Shall I compare thee to a summers day? (Line 1) it is more of a rhetorical question because he doesnt want to know whether he should do it or not he just does it and spends the rest of the poem comparing his love to a summers day. In line 4 the author hints to how summer feels short. The author suggests that summer has is only borrowing the weather, and it must be given back when its over; the author accomplishes this by using metaphor and personification. Summer is kind of like a person renting a home, and the weather is like the house itself. In lines 7-8 a problem is presented that the author will work against, that problem being that sooner or later it will all fade away. In lines 9-12 the author uses different figurative language; most of this is pointing how the author is going to save his beloved from fading away. Su mmer is a metaphor for his beloved and its beauty is described in another metaphor as something tangible that can be given or taken away. Then there is a personification of death, as the overseer of the shade, also being a metaphor for the afterlife. In the last two lines of this poem the author states that as long as people are still alive on this earth this poem will live on through them making his beloved immortal. The final poem that I will be discussing is Let me not to the marriage of true minds (Sonnet 116) by William Shakespeare. The thought of marriage is strong in this poem from the very beginning. Although, the poet doesnt necessarily think of marriage in this poem the way people typically do. Marriage as described in this poem is not a regular marriage; rather, it is a marriage of true minds, this phrase suggests a deep connection between two people, rather than a mere piece of paper saying you are married. In Shakespeares time, marriage was not just a bond between two people; women basically surrendered to their husbands when they got married and did whatever their will see fit. The marriage in Sonnet 116 definitely does not conform to this specific time periods view of marriage. So for Shakespeare to write about loyalty, fulfillment, honesty, and commitment it was surely him thinking of how he would like to see marriage develop, or quite possibly reflects how some of his own relation ships were. In the line O no! it is an ever-fixed mark (Line 5), the author describes love as an extended metaphor in which it is a star that we can see in the sky. He continues in line 6 to further personify it. This is also stating that the star is love and that it guides us in our worrying times. When the author mentions tempests I think of storms that may affect relationships, such as fights or arguments. In line 7 I cant help but think that the wondering bark could be a metaphor for the lost lover, and he is being guided through a sea of trials and tribulations. In lines 9 through 10 the author personifies love and time. In the time when this author wrote this poem time was usually a reference to death, in this instance more like death as in the grim reaper. This signifies that time doesnt have control over love, and that when time goes on it has no effect on his love. Through my research I have found that there are many different ways that a love poem may turnout. They may be for the one you love like the ones that Elizabeth Browning wrote, heartfelt, sincere, and passionate. They may also be love poems that turn into writings such as ones from Shakespeare that some are directed towards the one they love but in all honestly seem more like a self proclamation of see I can write about you and both you and I are now immortalized. Or even such they could be love poems that describe the hard times and the guiding forces that make true love one that you may have to overcome multiple obstacles to acquire. The three poems that were analyzed in this paper are all similar in the sense that they are all tied in to love in some fashion or another but they are all different in the way they express their love and or the way that they have either already acquired their true love or they are simply trying to hold one to the one they love. During the timeframe of Browning and Shakespeare poems like theirs are some of the most world renowned poems of all time. Brownings poem How do I love thee is actually one of the most quoted poems ever. Their poems have been an inspiration to countless other poets and I believe will continue to do so for all time. I hope that one day we will see another true poet rise up and be as highly known as these two have been. Only time will tell how our society will develop and influence our writing techniques.

Pregnancy and Little Boy

I always had this preconceived idea of how wonderful pregnancy would be. Had so often heard of the pregnancy â€Å"glow', having razz cravings, being able to eat anything wanted because, of course, I was now eating for two. Grew up hearing my mother tell me how she loved being pregnant. Sways so happy to be starting my new journey. My pregnancy didn't quite go that way. When I was pregnant with my son, it seemed as if those nine months dragged on forever. Morning sickness began 24/7 the day after I found out to the day I went into labor.I talked to so many people, read so many articles and books, and just kept looking and waiting for that â€Å"Honeymoon Trimester,† the second trimester, when everything was owing to get better, and it would be the best experience ever. Was one of those rare cases that, until my son was born, the sickness wouldn't stop. I ended up at nine months pregnant being thirteen pounds less than my pre- pregnancy weight because of being so sick every da y. Atone point, I remember thinking I would give anything to do an â€Å"l Dream of Jeannie† blink to make that time disappear.Because of that, started having doubts that I would be a good mother and even be able to handle the responsibility of it all. Finally, the time came. Went into labor the evening of 26 February 2011. Not only was finally not going to be sick every day anymore, but I was going to finally going to meet the little man I had been so anxiously waiting to meet the last nine months. 27 February 2011 at 3:23 pm, I gave birth to the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. It was one of the most exciting experiences of my life!The moment the doctor put my 6 pound 13 ounce, 19 h inch long son in my arms became a moment I will never forget I felt complete and utter overwhelming joy. As I looked into those big blue eyes, I forgot about everything. It was worth every second! I would do it all over again. At that very moment, looking at the beautiful newborn baby boy th at I created, I realized what true love was. It was the most amazing feeling. Having my son at the young age of 20 has given me a different perspective on life, even a little more patience.Sometimes, I believe it has made me a better person and made me appreciate life and its challenges so much more. I am a better mom because Of it. I absolutely love all the challenges and rewards that motherhood brings. Instead of neatness, order, and everything in its place in y home, I now find Ninja Turtles in my shoes and socks hanging on the Christmas Tree. My purse has Batman band-aids, fruit snacks, and crayons in it. And I wouldn't have it any other way! One of the best things about being a mom is discovering my hidden abilities.Things I never could have imagined being capable of doing, I do without even thinking about it. Who knew a person could blow dry their hair, play Ninja Turtles, and brush their teeth all at the same time, or that an entire meal could be cooked with only one hand whi le holding a baby in the other? Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that my kisses on a little forehead or an owe could have such a healing power. Also found out that I am the queen of multitasking. I can get more done in a couple of hours that used to take a whole day to get done.The little miracle I gave birth to has also showed me that I can manage with a mere four hours of sleep, or even less. Who knew? Watching Chase grow from a happy, playful baby into a very active, outgoing, silly, loving, smart little boy is an amazing experience. Love watching him learn and create and grow into the beautiful little boy he was created to be. He is all this and so much more. My life is so much richer, fuller, and more meaningful because I have the privilege of being a mother, his mother. I cherish every moment, every day.Being a mom has made me into the person was meant to be. It teaches me that it's the little things that matter most. It has taught me that true happiness does not come from material items or the money I have in my pocket. Happiness is seeing his face light up with a big smile on his face. I love that motherhood has taught me to slow down, not to sweat the small stuff, and appreciate the days, not marked y one or two spectacular moments, but rather just by the simple joy, peace, and fulfillment we get by being together as a family.Motherhood is a roller coaster ride of emotions, one where I learn on the go and just pray that I'm doing it right, but it is also the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can't put into words how wonderful this journey of motherhood has been so far or how much I am looking forward to all the experiences yet to come as my son grows. I couldn't imagine my life without my little boy, the little boy who has made me a better person. Not only am I Chases hero, he is mine.

How are adults presented in “Romeo and Juliet” Essay

There is a large difference between youths and adults in Romeo and Juliet. The adults often make emotionally driven decisions, often ones that go back on what they have previously said. An example of this is Lord Capulet, who changes his mind on the marriage of his daughter. This drastically changes the plot of the story and could have been the reason for the death of Romeo and Juliet. They see the world in a different light to the youths. The younger men in the Montague and Capulet families love to fight, and would happily insult the other family in order to start a fight. However, Lord Capulet, and maybe Lord Montague, is less happy to begin the fight, although he would try to join in, like in act one scene 1. Lord Capulet says â€Å"’tis not hard. I think / for men as old as we to keep the peace† and later on in the play he also compliments Romeo by calling him a â€Å"virtuous and well-governed youth†. Capulet and Montague could have ended a feud, which was started by their ancestors â€Å"ancient grudge breaks to new mutiny†. You do not find out what Lord Montague thinks about the feud, only that Capulet â€Å"thinks† that Montague has the same opinion as he. Later in act 1 scene 5 Capulet gets very angry with Tybalt for wanting to start a fight with Romeo. Capulet expects Tybalt to obey him, as he is the master of the house. When Tybalt still refuses to give in to Capulet, his multi faceted side comes out. Capulet changes from arguing to Tybalt â€Å"Marry, ’tis time† to complementing the guests â€Å"Well said, my hearts!† and then back to arguing with Tybalt. Lord Capulet loves his daughter very much. In act 1 scene 2, when Paris asks for Juliet’s hand in marriage, Lord Capulet tells him that Juliet is too young, but he can start to court Juliet and in 2 years, they may marry. You can tell that he cares about Juliet because he says that Paris may only marry if Juliet agrees, â€Å"An she agreed within her scope of choice, / Lies my consent and fair according voice.† This is surprising for a patriarchal society and where the daughter has to do what the father says. When Lord Capulet says that Juliet is too young to marry Paris he makes a indirect reference to his wife. â€Å"And too soon marred are those so early made† who we later find out married Lord Capulet when very young. Lord Capulet changes after Tybalt dies. Maybe because he loves Juliet so much he wants to help her, but instead he makes her life worse. He tries to cheer her up -believing that she cries over the death of Tybalt- by moving the date of the wedding forward to three days time – Thursday. When Juliet refuses to marry Paris, lord Capulet becomes very violent, and shows another side of himself. He threatens to hit her and says â€Å"unworthy as she is, that we have wrought / So worthy a gentleman to be her bride?† He goes on to say that he was cursed when she was born, and then insults the nurse by calling her a â€Å"mumbling fool!† The nurse is used as comic relief in the play. She is bawdy and comes from a lower class than the majority of the rest of the cast. Simply the fact she is from a lower class makes her slightly funnier, and she often jumbles up her words – â€Å"I desire some confidence with you† and speaks in prose. She gets on better with Juliet than Lord or Lady Capulet, and so Juliet confides in the nurse. The nurse is loyal and caring but very bawdy. However, when Juliet needs her most, the nurse turns away from Juliet, and changes her loyalty by saying â€Å"I think you are happy in this second match,† She goes on to say that Romeo is no longer there so she has to marry Paris. This is shocking because you believe that the nurse was always on Juliet’s side, In act 1 scene 3, the nurse talks about Juliet when she was a little girl, and of many slightly rude tales of Juliet. These stories horrify Lady  Capulet, but the audience find them funny. It shows the difference between the nurse and Lady Capulet, and their different upbringings. The nurse knows more about Juliet than her own mother The nurse brings a lot of tension into the balcony scene, because she keeps calling Juliet inside. You worry that she may come outside and ruin Romeo and Juliet’s romantic moment. But it also brings an element of comedy to it, because it annoys Romeo and Juliet, and you imagine in your head how she would act if she did come out and see Romeo and Juliet on the balcony, confessing their love. The nurse adds a bit of tension in act 2 scene 5 when Juliet is waiting to find out what Romeo has said about their marriage. She will not tell Juliet what Romeo has said, and even though the audience already know what has been said, they are still concerned in case something terrible has happened. When Lord Capulet is insulting Juliet about her marriage to Paris, the nurse stands up for Juliet, even when Capulet attacks the nurse verbally. This may be when the nurse has a change of thought, and decides the marriage between Juliet and Paris is a good thing.

Which Insect Makes the Biggest Swarm

Honey bees swarm, ants swarm, termites swarm, and even gnats swarm. But none of these swarming insects comes close to holding the world record for the biggest swarm. Which insect makes the biggest swarm? Its not even close – locusts make the biggest swarm of any other insects on earth. Migratory locusts are short-horned grasshoppers that go through phases of gregariousness. When resources become scarce to an overcrowded population of locusts, they move en masse to find food and a little elbow room. Just how large is a locust swarm? Locust swarms can number in the hundreds of millions, with densities of up to 500 tons of locusts per square mile. Imagine the ground covered in grasshoppers so thick you cant walk without stepping on them, and the sky so filled with locusts that you cant see the sun. Together, this massive army can march hundreds of miles, consuming every last leaf and blade of grass in their path. According to the Bible, Jehovah used a swarm of locusts to persuade Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go free. The locusts were the eighth of ten plagues suffered by the Egyptians. For if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, and they shall cover the face of the land, so that no one can see the land. And they shall eat what is left to you after the hail, and they shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the field, and they shall fill your houses and the houses of all your servants and of all the Egyptians, as neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen, from the day they came on earth to this day.– Exodus 10:4-6 In modern day, the record for the biggest swarm goes to the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. In 1954, a series of 50 swarms of desert locusts invaded Kenya. Researchers used airplanes to fly over the locust invasion and took estimates on the ground to put the swarm in numerical context. The largest of the 50 Kenyan locust swarms covered 200 square kilometers and involved an estimated 10 billion individual locusts. In total, 100,000 tons of locusts descended on this African nation in 1954, covering a total area of 1000 square kilometers. About 50 billion locusts devoured Kenyas flora. Sources Walker, T.J., ed. 2001. University of Florida Book of Insect Records, 2001. http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/walker/ufbir/.The Handy Bug Answer Book, Dr. Gilbert Waldbauer, 2005.