October 17, 2015
What Is Synonym?
Semantically, synonyms are words or phrases or expressions similar or of the same meaning.
From the poem "Vanity", we can rely on the use of repetitions as our yardstick.
(To learn more about the use of repetition in Vanity by Birago Diop, we recommend: 3 Major Poetic Devices In Vanity By Birago Diop; the post might be helpful)
Another way, we can explain the use of synonyms in the poem is by considering the expressions and stanzas of the poem.
The poet achieved synonyms with the use of repetition and rhetorical questions. Through the poem, there were reflections of sorrow_ though, in different forms; we saw sobbed sorrow, mocked sorrow, raged sorrow, and regrets in a state of sorrow.
Most stanzas of the poem are synonymous to the stanza; a good intance is stanza 1-2-3. Judging by the expressions of the poem, some lines are synonymous to another either by repetition or partial repetition. Line 27 and 28 are perfectly synonymous lines: "If we weep gently.../ If we cry roughly..."
Line 11 "what hearts will listen to our clamouring?" is synonymous to line 14 "in the black depth of our plaintive throats?" the same goes to line 4 "sad complaining voices of beggars" which is synonymous to line 18 "...to their wild appeals"
With these explanations, the use of synonyms in the poem Vanity by Birago Diop can be a foundation for further explanations.
MORE POETIC DEVICES
Samuel C. Enunwa aka samueldpoetry
(the Leo with wings flying)
