Talk This Way: Plot

Talk This Way: Plot

Structure Overview

  • “Talk This Way: Plot” utilises a prose poem structure, without a clear rhythm or regular rhyme scheme, adding to the informal and conversational tone of the piece.
  • The poem’s layout as a one-sided conversation mirrors the theme of communication and language comprehension.

Symbolism

  • Symbolism plays a pivotal role in Sam-La Rose’s poem, where ‘words’ often symbolise ideas, thoughts, emotions or experiences.
  • By expressing the desire to ‘tame’ and ‘master’ words, the poet explores the struggle and ambition of perfecting expression and communication.

Diction

  • The utilisation of formal diction ‘tame’, ‘mastery’, ‘elusive’, underscores the complexity of language and the challenge involved in mastering it.
  • The formal language contrasts with the conversational style of the prose, highlighting the juxtaposition of daily language use and the intellectual pursuit of language mastery.

Metaphors and Similes

  • The poet employs elaborate metaphors and similes, comparing the process of language acquisition to that of training a wild creature.
  • This comparison likens mastering language to taming a wild animal, emphasizing the difficulty and effort required in language learning and understanding.

Personification

  • Personification is prominent in this poem, giving human characteristics to ‘words’, underscoring their power and unruliness.
  • Lines like ‘words have teeth…’ allow for an exploration of language’s potential to harm or heal, depending on its use.

Theme of Struggle

  • A central theme in “Talk This Way: Plot” is that of struggle: struggling to acquire language, to communicate effectively, and to comprehend the nuanced meaning of words.
  • The repeated phrase ‘This is how you remember’ suggests a challenging and continuous process, much like the journey of language acquisition and comprehension.

Conclusion

Remember: A profound understanding of the text’s poetic and language devices will aid in understanding Sam-La Rose’s nuanced exploration of the complex nature of language in “Talk This Way: Plot”. This poem is a rich examination of the intricate relationship individuals have with words, language, and communication.