Figurative Language In The Journey By Mary Oliver
Oliver utilizes several literary techniques, like figurative language and structure, to further develop the strong connection between nature and life. Oliver writes:
Figurative language can give shape to the difficult and the painful. It can make visible and ‘felt’ that which is invisible and ‘unfeelable.’ Imagery, more than anything else, can take us out of our own existence and let us stand in the condition of another instance, or another life. It can make the subject of the poem, whatever it is, as intimate as honey---or ashes---in the mouth (Oliver).
“The Journey” begins with a metaphor, “though the voices around you/ kept shouting/ their bad advice” (3-5). The ‘voices’ represent the unhealthy characteristics of a relationship in life.
Figurative language can give shape to the difficult and the painful. It can make visible and ‘felt’ that which is invisible and ‘unfeelable.’ Imagery, more than anything else, can take us out of our own existence and let us stand in the condition of another instance, or another life. It can make the subject of the poem, whatever it is, as intimate as honey---or ashes---in the mouth (Oliver).
“The Journey” begins with a metaphor, “though the voices around you/ kept shouting/ their bad advice” (3-5). The ‘voices’ represent the unhealthy characteristics of a relationship in life.