FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN THE ROAD NOT TAKEN POEM BY ROBERT FROSTANNE SEXTON AND STILL I RISE’S POEM BY MAYA ANGELOU
Literature serves as a profound vehicle for expressing the essence of human life, offering insights into facets of existence previously unknown. Literary works are often regarded as reflections of their times, encapsulating the perspectives of their creators. Among the diverse genres of literature, poetry stands out as a form that is both enjoyable and inspirational. It can uniquely evoke thoughts, emotions,
imagination, and perceptions, covering various subjects. Beyond its versatility, poetry is frequently employed as a means of emotional self-expression, characterized by rich figurative language. Each poem holds the potential to encapsulate complex ideas and emotions within a few carefully chosen words, inviting varied
interpretations and making it a captivating field for analysis.
In the realm of the English language, while many may be familiar with poems, a substantial portion may struggle to grasp the true meanings embedded within the language. Figurative language, which deviates from literal interpretation, constitutes a fundamental element of poetry. It takes diverse forms, incorporating specific words or expressions with meanings that extend beyond the literal. For instance,
personification and simile are common types of figurative language, enabling poets to convey vivid imagery and evoke nuanced emotions. The allure of poetry lies in its ability to present ideas, feelings, actions, or experiences figuratively, allowing for multiple interpretations. The magic of poetry lies in its capacity to capture complex sentiments with brevity, making it both enjoyable to read and intriguing to analyze.
The motivation behind the research arises from familiar readers' observed difficulty comprehending the figurative language employed in English poems. The study mainly addresses figurative language issues in the poems "The Road Not Taken" and
"Funeral Blues." The writer aims to delve into various types of figurative language and unravel the literal meanings concealed within them. A qualitative research
methodology is adopted to achieve this, as it is well-suited for exploring how
individuals experience and interpret phenomena. The qualitative approach allows for a nuanced investigation into the figurative language of the chosen poems, aiming to elucidate the meanings that may elude familiar readers. By undertaking this
research, the writer seeks to enhance readers' explicit understanding of poetry's nuanced language and meaning.
