Final answer:
Walter de la Mare's poem 'Silver' utilizes literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, repetition, personification, and alliteration to create a serene and enchanting portrait of the moonlit world. The structure and indentation of lines contribute to the rhythmic and reflective quality of the poem. These elements combined with the peaceful tone allow the reader to immerse in the poem's otherworldly atmosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Walter de la Mare's poem Silver, various literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, and personification are used to create a vivid and enchanting picture of the nighttime scene. His use of repetition, particularly with the word 'silver,' emphasizes the luminescence and serene beauty of the moonlight that pervades the scene. The poem's peaceful and rhythmic flow, along with the use of these literary elements, helps to conjure an otherworldly atmosphere. For example, de la Mare describes the moon's light with lines like 'Slowly, silently, now the moon / Walks the night in her silver shoon,' using personification to give the moon human-like qualities and imagery to paint a detailed picture in the reader's mind.
Furthermore, the indentation of lines in the poem's structure may add an element of pause or emphasis, giving readers a chance to reflect on the visual or emotional impact of the scene portrayed. Symbols such as 'the loom,' 'weaving,' 'a river,' and 'island in the river' can have multiple interpretations, including themes of life's journey, fate, and isolation, and in the context of this poem may be used to highlight the intricate and connected nature of the world under the moon's gaze.
The use of alliteration, as with the repeated 's' sound in 'silently' and 'silver,' creates a sense of calm and quiet, akin to the hushed world under moonlight, further contributing to the soothing tone of the poem. By analyzing these literary devices, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of de la Mare's work.