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Word Count: 762
Use of Indirect Message and Contrast in Poetry Poets must utilize many tools and techniques to create a mood or convey a thought Metaphor simile spacing form voice and setting are all common poetic utilities Some tools however are more understated Some of the more delicate methods used by poets are rhythm language and the consistency of the theme throughout the poem One work that makes use of inconsistent theme is Edna St Vincent Millays sonnet Love Is Not All It Is Not Meat nor Drink page 936 This poem uses indirect theme and abrupt change in message to add more emphasis the meaning of the poem By beginning the poem with an image that contrasts the main theme the poet is able to inflict a more vivid impression on the reader Even the title of Millays sonnet gives us an idea of what the poems theme is likely to be Love is not all suggests that the persona is decrying love It prepares the reader for a put-down of love and all things romantic Millay proceeds to use a group of anti-similes that declare what love is not it is not meat nor drink therefor we presumably can not live without it Love will not refresh you or protect you from the elements as it is not slumber nor a roof against the rain She then relates love to a floating spar to men that sink stating that it will not support you in times of disaster The entire first six lines generally knock love by declaring it useless and unsubstantial After reading this the reader jumps to the conclusion that they know what Millays message is The turning point of the poem is the seventh line Yet many a man is making friends with death Even as I speak for lack of love alone contradicts everything the reader is led to believe thus far The following lines are equally
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