Winter Solstice - Summary College Writing PDF

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POETRY ANALYSIS

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Poetry Analysis Jay Sullivan Post University

POETRY ANALYSIS

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In the poem, "Winter Solstice" it is about how the author, Hilda Morley, feels. Morley(1969) uses the moon in this poem as a metaphor on how she feels. When thinking of the moon, an individual thinks of desolation, concealment, solitude, and corruptness. One sees darkness running across the moon, almost as if it is going through it. The moon comes out at night, when it gets colder. This makes one feel that the world is becoming dark, closed up, and controlled. This shows when the night sky surrounds the moon with blackness, trying to cover it, almost overlapping it completely. This could show how Morley feels about the world being corrupted, using the moon and darkness as a metaphor. Morley portrays her message through the poetic elements in this poem. Morley uses a well structure and tone throughout the writing. The structure she uses is very separated and isolated. This could've been done purposely to show the way of her thinking. Morley's tone throughout this poem is very dark, downtempo, and depressing. In this poem, there are a widespread of poetic elements. Morley(1969) states, "It is the light of the moon that causes this night reflecting distance in its own light so coldly". Morley uses this in her poem as a metaphor. This quote resembles when one looks at their own reflection, they do not see what others do. They tend to hide behind a different face. A face unknown to them. Morley(1969) states "Not metal, but a rock accepting distance". Morley uses this in her poem as a metaphor. This quote shows how it's okay to be different. Even if it means you want to isolate yourself away from the crowd. It's about accepting oneself the way they are. Morley(1969) states, "A scream in silence". This is an idiom. This shows how one hides behind a mask, to keep their feelings from coming out. One who holds everything in on the inside. Even though there is a lot going on with a person, one easily attempts to keep that from other's seeing it themselves. Morley(1969) states, "The dance unmoving". This would be shown through

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personification. This line from the poem seems too unsettling; like it is not yet finished. It could be used as a symbol to show how the author feels about themselves. That no matter how hard one tries to fit in, they also do not want to. One has to accept themselves, and then surround themselves with people who accept them for who they are. This poem was written in 1969. During 1969, gay rights were just being talked about. This could be one of the encouragements that pushed Morley write this poem. It shows that people should feel comfortable with who they are, even if that means isolating themselves from others at some points. If one accepts themselves for who they are, others will too. This is why this poem is so inspiring. Winter Solstice is a direct comparison to a person. Morley(1969) expresses in lines 1-2, "A cold night crosses our path". When reading this, one could think that the author is talking about a cold, brisk winter night. If one is a deep thinker, they could compare it to how someone we are not fond of is passing towards us. There's a still feeling on the inside of oneself, and though that may be normal, one does not want to feel that. So, to get rid of that, one distances themselves away from that feeling, which is by isolating themselves to be alone. With this poem, brings lessons, acceptance, and no fear. It encourages you to be yourself and feel comfortable. Some individuals might take a different perspective on the moon. Some might say, the moon signifies a whole new meaning of life. How the brightness of the sun sometimes needs to have a break to itself, and hide in the dark. Some may think of it as a comparison to themselves. They are active during the day, and like humans, the sun also needs its sleep at night (personification). The sun makes you feel bright, active, beautiful. When the sun goes dark, you could feel warm, tiresome, and natural. All positive feelings. There is not one person who does not feel tired at some point in their day. It is good to remember that this poem

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brings different feelings and gives off different perspectives depending on the reader viewing it. How would you take this poem out?...