Tone Analysis of Poems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 23

Tone Analysis of Poems - try ExampleThe two poems taken for discussion are Phillis Wheatleys On Being Brought from Africa to America and William Blakes The Chimney Sweeper. The analysis of these two poems is done by identifying the tone of voice in each of the poems by concentrating on the specific words that the poet chooses to set the mood of the poem and to express his/her attitude regarding the subject.Phillis Wheatleys On Being Brought from Africa to America addresses the societys prejudices about perceiving the notion of race, religion, and identity. The poem is written in a satirical tone, expressing the poets mixed attitudes of refreshingness and resentment towards the society. Wheatley starts the poem with a grateful attitude from her own(prenominal) experiences of Christian salvation and enlightenment of soul nevertheless, she abruptly turns the poems tone into a satirical one, condemning the cultural norms of racism. The poems ironic tone can be seen in her embodiment of mercy as a kind owner or Savior who had brought her from the Pagan land. The poet posits a diaphragm style in using the word Pagan land to depict the land as a place of benighted souls. Similarly, she uses words like benighted soul, sable race, scornful midpoint, and diabolic die to portray the societys dark impression of black people and their land.The poet in like manner expresses a sarcastic tone by comparing slavery and redemption as a grateful act of her oppressors. Taught my benighted soul to understand That theres a God, that theres a Saviour too Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. The word choices like Pagan, Saviour, Christians, and Cain are allusions to biblical scriptures, providing theological implications to the subject matter of racism. The usage of biblical simile, Black as Cain depicts the association of sin with black color.