Plummeting: Structure & Language Techniques

Understanding ‘Plummeting: Structure & Language Techniques’

• Jacob Sam-La Rose once again brings home his poetic genius in “Plummeting”, a poem that hosts a myriad of intricate structure and language techniques.

• The poem dwells on the arguably universal human fear of falling, using it as a metaphor to tackle heavier and more complex themes such as insecurity, vulnerability, and erratic life circumstances.

• “Plummeting” is a fine example of Sam-La Rose’s ability to bring depth to seemingly simple occasions. His exploration and execution of the poem’s structure, alongside its effective language techniques, play an immense role in achieving this.

Structural Features of ‘Plummeting’

• Sam-La Rose employs free verse in “Plummeting”. This structure grants him the freedom to define visual, rhythmic, and thematic dimensions of the poem, aligning their development with the subject of falling.

• Use of enjambment can be noted. It maintains the poem’s pace and introduces a sense of urgency that’s akin to the fast, uncontrollable plunge described.

• The poem is presented in one lengthy stanza. This absence of clear, divided sections mimics the swift, uninterrupted fall that the title suggests.

Language Techniques in ‘Plummeting’

• Using personification, Sam-La Rose gives life-like qualities to the abstract concept of fear. This humanises the fear and lends it a palpable presence.

• The use of sensory language is phenomenal. References to tangible perceptions such as touch and sound engage readers and imprint perspicuous images of the protagonist’s frightful fall.

• Figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, is visibly employed to paint vivid pictures of emotional states, amplifying the intensity of the falling ordeal.

• The poet’s use of internal monologue gives an insight into the protagonist’s mind, effectively showcasing their tumultuous state during the fall.

Note: Critically engaging with structure and language techniques utilized in ‘Plummeting’ is essential in understanding the multidimensional layers of this seemingly straightforward poem. Each technique meticulously curated by Sam-La Rose contributes to its overall impact, forging a connection between the reader and speaker’s emotional journey.