Joy Kogawa’s poem, Where There’s A Wall, evokes motivation and inspiration. The most central figure in this poem is the wall. The wall symbolizes any obstacle that prevents one from achieving his/her goals. Regardless, the poem stimulates hope as it communicates how there are means to overcoming the wall, “there's a way / around, over, or through.” Kogawa effectively shares her message by utilizing literal and figurative imagery.
Literary imagery is used in this poem as can be seen through the use of language that appeals to the senses. Kogawa creates mental impressions by composing stanzas such as, “on this side of the wall / I am standing staring at the top / lost in the clouds / I hear every sound you make / but cannot see you.” From this,
Literary imagery is used in this poem as can be seen through the use of language that appeals to the senses. Kogawa creates mental impressions by composing stanzas such as, “on this side of the wall / I am standing staring at the top / lost in the clouds / I hear every sound you make / but cannot see you.” From this,