Final answer:
The word 'squinched' in 'Blackberry Eating' is not an example of onomatopoeia as it doesn't imitate a specific sound. Instead, it's part of the poem's range of sound devices that include slant rhymes and internal rhymes, contributing to the auditory effects that define the texture and mood of the poem.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term onomatopoeia refers to words that phonetically mimic or resemble the sound they are describing, like 'bang', 'thud', or 'hiss'. These words are often used to convey the sound associated with an action, usually found in poetry and prose to create an auditory effect that resonates with the described action or object. In the poem 'Blackberry Eating' by Galway Kinnell, the word 'squinched' may convey a visual or tactile sensation but it does not imitate a specific sound, hence it is not an example of onomatopoeia.
While onomatopoeia is a powerful poetic device that can enrich a verbal portrait, the impact of words in poetry is multifaceted. Poets like Kinnell utilize various linguistic techniques such as slant rhymes, internal rhymes, and the strategic use of phonetics to create rhythm, texture, and mood. When studying poetic mechanisms, it is crucial to acknowledge not only the existence of onomatopoeia but also the broader landscape of sound in poetry, which includes the dynamism of articulation and the muscular efforts required to pronounce certain phrases, all contributing to the poem's overall effect.