In the poem “Words”, Dana Gioia expresses the theme of words being an accessory to life that humans seem to need through her use of diction, personification, and imagery.
Words are a necessity to life
Nature having its own language is seen through personification and diction. Gioia uses the word “articulates” when referring to the “sunlight, leaves, and shadows” to show that even they, nature, speaks (S 1, L 1-2). The word “articulate” is a rather peculiar word to use when referring to natures, since they are not verbal; however, Gioia is careful to use this word in order to show that nature does, in fact, speak. He continues in the same stanza to state the “fluent leaves speak only the dialect of pure being” (S1, L4). The words “fluent”, “speak”, and “dialect” also add to the idea of nature having its own language. Although nature lacks the skill to speak vocally, it still has the ability to communicate. This shows that true, clear words are not always needed in order to understand. Human’s need verbal communication to make things seem more real. Words have …show more content…
By simply describing something, or attaching a label to something, can help an individual “to know and remember” (S3, L5). The act of knowing is something many strive to attain, only once an individual knows something, can they remember it. It is very unlikely for someone to see a picture of a student in a magazine and remember their face if they do not know the person, however, once they have met the person, it becomes easier to remember them. Although they did not know who was in the photo when it was first seen, they now have no problem in identifying the individual in the photo. That is what Gioia is stating through claiming “to know is to remember”. Without giving a label to things, humans tend to forget. Although the kiss will remain to be a kiss, it can easily be forgotten without applying words to the event. Words are important to aide in remembrance and
Words are a necessity to life
Nature having its own language is seen through personification and diction. Gioia uses the word “articulates” when referring to the “sunlight, leaves, and shadows” to show that even they, nature, speaks (S 1, L 1-2). The word “articulate” is a rather peculiar word to use when referring to natures, since they are not verbal; however, Gioia is careful to use this word in order to show that nature does, in fact, speak. He continues in the same stanza to state the “fluent leaves speak only the dialect of pure being” (S1, L4). The words “fluent”, “speak”, and “dialect” also add to the idea of nature having its own language. Although nature lacks the skill to speak vocally, it still has the ability to communicate. This shows that true, clear words are not always needed in order to understand. Human’s need verbal communication to make things seem more real. Words have …show more content…
By simply describing something, or attaching a label to something, can help an individual “to know and remember” (S3, L5). The act of knowing is something many strive to attain, only once an individual knows something, can they remember it. It is very unlikely for someone to see a picture of a student in a magazine and remember their face if they do not know the person, however, once they have met the person, it becomes easier to remember them. Although they did not know who was in the photo when it was first seen, they now have no problem in identifying the individual in the photo. That is what Gioia is stating through claiming “to know is to remember”. Without giving a label to things, humans tend to forget. Although the kiss will remain to be a kiss, it can easily be forgotten without applying words to the event. Words are important to aide in remembrance and