Symbolism in poetry
Symbolism is another element used by the poet to promote engagement in poetry. Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to signify ideas and quality. Symbolism involves giving ideas a symbolic meaning, which sometimes occurs differently from their literal sense (Emmet Parker, 1). Symbolism occurs in different forms such that sometimes an action or a series of events possess symbolic values. Furthermore, these symbols change their meaning depending on the content of the poem. A symbol in a poem can be clearly understood by when, where, and how it is applied.
Sharon Olds’ poem has repeated the question asking how those individuals who make love achieve to do that. Also, she asks, “How do they come to god, come to the still waters, and not love?” In this part, Sharon Olds that it is better to have sex without loving a person. She uses symbolism to describe two people who are not in love (Sharon Olds). Furthermore, Sharon Olds uses the symbols of dancers to represent people who have sex without getting love involved. The seventeenth line of Sharon’s poem state that “they do not mistake the lover for their pleasure” indicate that the poem is emphasizing on the issue of getting attached to somebody individual haves sex with. As a result, the Audience can learn through symbolism that an individual may become attached to someone after having sexual interaction with another person.
Martha Collins’s poem, “lie,” and Sharon Olds poem, “sex without love” are addressing different views even though they have employed similar writing styles in their context. Each method has been used to deliver a particular message to the Audience. Therefore, it is correct to say that techniques used in poetry can only be understood when the Audience and the author develop a connection of what, where, and how a particular issue is addressed. For instance, Collins discusses an ideal approach towards lies in relationship, and the conclusion from an audience perspective is that it is better to communicate and address the issue with your partner instead of staying quiet (Martha Collins). Communication will limit the level of harm caused by keeping quiet for fear of being identified as the cause of the problem.
On the other hand, Sharon Olds’s poem has employed various writing styles allowing the Audience to understand the main issue easily. Furthermore, sex without love is more engaging, and the Audience is enjoying reading it because it addresses a point in society. Therefore, the author understood people’s experience in the community, thus giving the poem a unique title, solving the problem extensively, and highlighting the effect of getting attached to people individuals may not have the intention to love (Sharon Olds). Furthermore, the poem has employed both traditional and modern rules of poetry, which allows it to capture audience attention much faster.
The difference between poems occurs as a result of different use of elements such as symbolism, imagery, and similes. The connection between the Author and Audience is determined by the complexity of styles used in a particular poem. Furthermore, the author can engage the Audience by addressing issues in society or the poet’s life experience. Contrary, poems may use similar elements and styles to discuss different topics.