Journeys

“Both the positive and negative aspects of a journey are explored in One Section and Time of Life”. Discuss with reference to language techniques. Through out the history of English literature, poetry has often reflected the positive and negative aspects of a journey. The two poets, Rosemary Dobson and Elizabeth Riddell embark upon two different aspects of journeys within their poetry. Rosemary Dobson, composer of the poem- One Section, explores positive aspects in the course of her poem. Some of the positive aspects within the poem include: innocence and purity of a child, the vibrant and affectionate stage of adolescence and the submission to new life or a new journey. This positivity is achieved through the literary technique symbolism. In contrary, Elizabeth Riddell, composer of the poem- The Time of Life, explores negative aspects in the course of her poem. Some of the negative aspects within the poem include: loss of youth and the emotional response towards ageing, the tedious process of ageing and the depletion of beauty and age. This negativity is achieved through the literary techniques: metaphor, negative imagery, juxtaposition and strong word choice. Rosemary Dobson profoundly explores the positive aspects of a journey through her use of the literary tool symbolism. Dobson encompasses the symbolic words ‘child’ and ‘held carefully’ within her poem to aid her in the representation of the positive aspect: innocence and purity of a child. The symbolism of the child, “…...a child with a jug held carefully, ” suggests that the protagonist is within their initial section or first stage of life hence denoting the perception of childhood and youth. Further more, the representation of the jug held carefully symbolises the innocence and purity of a child as it depicts the protagonist’s earnest sensitivity towards life and also represents them taking great caution and vigilance with their subsistence. Through the inclusion of the literary tool symbolism, Dobson has thoroughly and affectively been able to explore positive aspects of a journey as the particular technique of symbolism compels the reader to visualize a mental image of the protagonist’s innocence, youth and purity and further their concern with life. Without doubt, these are a collection of positive attributes in an individual which as a result portray positivity. In addition, symbolism has influenced the positive picture that the reader visualizes and quite similarly the positive aspect of a journey that the poet intended to explore The vibrant and affectionate stage of adolescence is yet another positive aspect of a journey evident within Dobson’s poem. This is achieved through the literary device of symbolism. The line, “ In a parroty dress with eyes on the tipsy soldiers ”, evidently accentuates the positive notion of adolescence in the course of the symbolic words ‘parroty dress’ and ‘tipsy soldiers’. The representation of the parroty dress suggests the protagonist’s desire to appear attractive and well presented (in a physical sense) towards the opposite sex. This portrayal is further used to invigorate the protagonist’s appearance in hope of impressing the “tipsy soldiers”———one other symbolic phrase used to implement the positive aspects of a journey within the poem. The depiction of the tipsy soldiers symbolises adolescence and the protagonist’s mature development of interest in men. The vibrant and affectionate stage of adolescence which is specifically associated with growing up, developing different interests and experiencing new emotions are all positive connotations within the poem and positive experiences whom the majority of people look forward to embracing during their lives therefore this evidently portrays an optimistic approach to the poem. The language technique, symbolism successfully allows Rosemary Dobson to explore the positive aspects of a journey as the symbolic words invoke positive thoughts and powerful feelings in the listener or reader which as a result creates positivity. In addition, the technique of symbolism also allows the reader to grasp the positive concept of a journey and further sends the constructive message of the poet across. Symbolism transfers the positive ideas or aspects embodied in the poetic words to the reader. The positive aspect: submission to new life or a new journey also enables Rosemary Dobson to proficiently explore the positivity of a journey. Dobson sheds light on this positive aspect through the use of the literal technique symbolism. Within her poem, the composer introduces the symbolic word ‘vacancy’ to assist her in the portrayal of the positive component of journeys. The representation of the vacancy notice, “ And the vacancy notice swinging loose in the window ”, indicates the availability of the location. It represents an image of a derelict house which symbolises renewal (a renewed journey) and a chance for new life to take place as a result of the protagonist departing this life. This in turn lead to the submission or passing-on of an opportunity; the opportunity for a new life form to vacate the premises and begin their reformed journey. Additionally, the vacancy sign can also be interpreted as a life cycle. It operates under the saying: ‘out with the old and in with the new’—referring to the older inhabitants being replaced with younger protagonists who will similarly embark on the same journey over again. Both interpretations denote positive aspects of a journey due to the fact that ‘life’ is possibly the best and finest gift one can give. Through the utilization of the language technique symbolism, Rosemary Dobson has efficiently explored positive aspects of a journey in view of the fact that the poem, One Section contains symbols or allusions that deepen the meaning and effect of its words which constructs a positive image of a journey. Symbolism further adds a hidden layer of depth to the poem. It hints or portrays aspects that the poet intends to be clearly and positively understood by the reader. In contrary to Rosemary Dobson, Elizabeth Riddell explores negative aspects of a journey in the course of her poem. Riddell productively explores these negative aspects through the use of the literary tool juxtaposition. The composer introduces the concept of ‘crying’ as opposed to ‘kissing’ to aid her in the illustration of the negative aspect: loss of youth and the emotional response towards ageing. The line, “ The crying is finished with the kissing ” portrays a form of juxtaposition as it contrasts the distinct words, crying and kissing. These particular words are at complete emotional ends as crying is primarily associated with sadness as opposed to kissing which is associated with relationships or happiness therefore their combination within the poem form the literal technique juxtaposition. This specific illustration of juxtaposition within the poem implies that the journey of ageing has brought about finality. The protagonist has stopped fighting the notion of age and has proceeded to accepting it. Further more, the protagonist is finished with ‘crying’ over their body/ age and what used to be and is essentially finished with the pleasurable times of youth, ‘kissing’ due to the fact that the notion of time and age have now overtaken the protagonist’s priorities in life. The protagonist has unmistakably given up all hope within her allegedly “ timeless ” life. Evidently, the composer of the poem has utilized the language device of juxtaposition to aid her in examining the negative aspect of a journey. The concept of loss of youth and the emotional response towards ageing denotes negativity as it suggests the protagonist is nearing death which brings about the negative aspect of a journey due to the indication of them departing this life. Quite similarly, the perception of ageing (to most people) sets in motion a negative picture of emotional pessimism as they take into account the deterioration of their health and physical appearance hence the technique of juxtaposition adds a somber tone to the poem. Finally, juxtaposition evokes a sensory experience of negativity as it gives the memorable effect the poet intended, misery.