Exploring the Beauty of "The Dawn's Awake" Poem
1. Identify two examples of personification: explain what is being personified & how in each example
Identify two examples of personification in the poem and explain them.
2. Identify an example of hyperbole: explain how it is exaggerated
Find an example of hyperbole in the poem and explain how it is exaggerated.
3. Identify an example of metaphor: explain which two things are being compared
Locate an example of metaphor in the poem and explain the comparison being made.
4. Find three examples of imagery in the poem that access three different senses
Discover three examples of imagery in the poem that appeal to different senses.
5. Contrast the tone of the line “Fathers! torn and numb,--” with the tone of the rest of the poem
Compare the tone of a specific line with the overall tone of the poem and explain the difference.
6. How might one interpret the “Dawn” beyond its literal meaning?
Considering the poet's background during the Harlem Renaissance, discuss the symbolic meaning of the "Dawn" in the poem.
1. Personification Examples
Personification is used in the lines “Ignites the East” and “The torch of gold is borne”. In the first line, the East is being personified by using the verb “ignites” to show that it is being given life and energy. In the second line, the torch of gold is being personified by using the verb “borne” to show that it is being carried or transported, as if it were alive.
2. Hyperbole Example
An example of hyperbole can be found in the line “A flash of smoldering flame and fire”. Here, the speaker is exaggerating the intensity of the flame and fire by describing it as “smoldering” and “flash”.
3. Metaphor Example
An example of metaphor can be found in the line “The boon of light we craved, awaited long, Has come, has come!”. Here, the speaker is comparing the dawn to the “boon of light” that they have been longing for and waiting for, suggesting that the dawn is something to be celebrated and welcomed.
4. Imagery Examples
Three examples of imagery can be found in the poem that access three different senses. In the line “And music singing in the hills”, the speaker is calling on the sense of hearing. In the line “With the mingled fragrance of the trees”, the speaker is calling on the sense of smell. In the line “The torch of gold is borne”, the speaker is calling on the sense of sight.
5. Contrasting Tones
The tone of the line “Fathers! torn and numb,--” is much more somber and subdued than the tone of the rest of the poem. It suggests that the dawn brings with it a bittersweet memory of the fathers who are no longer with them.
6. The Symbolic Interpretation of the “Dawn”
Knowing that this poem was written by an African American poet during the Harlem Renaissance, one can interpret the “Dawn” beyond its literal meaning to represent the hope and new beginnings that the Harlem Renaissance brought to African Americans. The dawn can be seen as a symbol of the struggle for equality, freedom, and justice.
The poem "The Dawn's Awake" by Otto Leland Bohanan beautifully captures the essence of a new day dawning and the emotions it evokes. Through the use of literary devices such as personification, hyperbole, metaphor, and imagery, the poet paints a vivid picture of the awakening world around us.
Personification Examples: Personification is a powerful literary device that gives human characteristics to non-human entities. In this poem, examples of personification can be seen in the lines “Ignites the East” and “The torch of gold is borne”. These instances bring life and vitality to the East and the torch, enhancing the imagery of the poem.
Hyperbole Example: Hyperbole is used to exaggerate and emphasize a particular idea. The line “A flash of smoldering flame and fire” employs hyperbole to enhance the intensity of the imagery, creating a sense of vividness and drama in the reader’s mind.
Metaphor Example: Metaphors compare two unlike things to highlight similarities. In the line “The boon of light we craved, awaited long, Has come, has come!”, the metaphor of light symbolizes hope and renewal, emphasizing the significance of the dawn in bringing a new beginning.
Imagery Examples: Imagery appeals to the senses and creates a sensory experience for the reader. The poem uses imagery such as “And music singing in the hills” to evoke the sense of hearing, “With the mingled fragrance of the trees” to appeal to the sense of smell, and “The torch of gold is borne” to engage the sense of sight, creating a rich tapestry of sensory experiences.
Contrasting Tones: The line “Fathers! torn and numb,--” introduces a somber and reflective tone amidst the overall joy and celebration in the poem. This contrast highlights the bittersweet memories and emotions associated with the dawn, adding depth and complexity to the poem’s thematic elements.
Symbolic Interpretation: As an African American poet during the Harlem Renaissance, Bohanan’s poem can be viewed beyond its literal meaning. The “Dawn” symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and the quest for equality and freedom. It represents the dawn of a new era for African Americans, filled with promise and opportunity amidst challenges and struggles.
In conclusion, “The Dawn’s Awake” is a rich and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty of a new day while exploring deeper themes of identity, hope, and resilience. Through its intricate use of literary devices and vivid imagery, the poem invites readers to reflect on the transformative power of new beginnings and the enduring spirit of human perseverance.