The poem “Facing It” by Yusef Komunyakaa, reflecting on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, uses several literary devices and techniques. Here are a few:
1. Imagery: The poet employs vivid imagery to evoke the setting and emotions. For instance, he describes the polished black granite wall of the memorial and the reflections seen in it.
2. Symbolism: The poet uses the memorial itself as a symbol, reflecting the memory of the soldiers who died in the Vietnam War.
3. Metaphor: Throughout the poem, the poet uses metaphors to illustrate the inner struggles of the speaker, connecting personal experiences to the larger context of the memorial.
4. Allusion: The poem contains references to history, war, and the speaker’s internal conflict, drawing connections to broader societal issues and personal experiences.
5. Repetition: Komunyakaa uses repetition in certain phrases or words, creating emphasis and underscoring the impact of memory and the struggle to come to terms with the past.