University:
Alabama State University
Course:
ENG 303 | Advanced Grammar
Academic year:

2024
Views:

411

Pages:

2
Author:

Sbabalwe T.

The poem is about an individual on a train with strangers going to an unknown destination. Even though they are surrounded by people, there is still an element of isolation- everybody is a stranger in the sense that we will never truly know everything about a person no matter how well they might think they know them. Strangers Forever Suggests life is a journey we share with others. ALLEGORY: A poem that reveals a hidden message. (lit vs. fig) No matter how hard we try, we never truly open ourselves to others, nor truly relate to others. Part of us remains hidden. Inclusive pronoun Each of us is a passenger seated in one huge compartment Another sense of inclusivity. We are all The destination is unknown together. going we do not know where all strangers thrown together by chance Rhetorical question who travel without arriving; Volta We choose to be on this journey. It is simply by chance that we are there and with whom we are with. who can read the whispers of your mind People have secrets and find it difficult to share them fully with themselves and others. when they are hidden Asking us to consider for ourselves. Lack of self-actualization. even from you? Though you open a window In the chambers of your heart Symbolic: A window creates opportunities to let feelings/objects in. METAPHOR: emphasises that we as humans will never be able to fully share our identities and secrets with others. Though you strive to say what you feel Repetition creates a sense of desperation. and in the striving reach a state of understanding there is still one part one small part that remains your own one part These are your “whispers of your mind” but also the “compartment” of your heart. Personal Pronoun that neither I nor anyone else will ever penetrate. Forever strangers. Inversion of title highlights that things are indefinite. Reflective- “we do not know where”, and “they are hidden from you”. STRUCTURE • • • • Pronouns create a universal meaning. Although the poem is written as one stanza, there is a clear division created by punctuation and linked ideas. The lines do not link. This highlights the absence of bonds between people. However, the linked ideas (“whispers” and “one part”) highlight how all the minds think the same thing. Rhythm= Momentum of life. Free-verse allows the poem to flow easily and creates the idea that the audience is listening to the poet present his idea (monologue).