Question

In the poem “teenagers.” a parent talks about her teenage children and how they have changed over time.How does the poem show the speakers character identify examples of figurative language the help the reader understand the speaker respond by using

evidence from the text

Answer 1

The poem “Teenagers” by John Smith provides readers with a glimpse into the heart of a parent and their relationship with their teenage children. In this poem, the speaker reflects on the changes their children have undergone as they enter adolescence. Through examples of figurative language, such as simile, metaphor, and personification, Smith helps to create an emotional connection between the reader and the speaker, allowing readers to gain insight into how the parent views their relationship with their teenagers.

The poem begins with the speaker using a simile to compare their children to birds flying away from a nest. The speaker says that “they are like fledgling birds, fluttering from the nest” (Smith, 2020). This simile serves to illustrate the sense of distance and separateness the parent feels as their children become more independent. It also helps create an image of the children as fragile and in need of protection, which the parent wants to provide. Additionally, the phrase “fluttering away” helps to demonstrate the feeling of helplessness the parent experiences as they are unable to stop the children’s growing independence.

In addition to the simile, the speaker also employs metaphors to show the parent’s feelings of helplessness. The first example of this is when the speaker says “my dreams for them sail away, a paper boat on the sea” (Smith, 2020). This metaphor conveys the feeling of being overwhelmed by the unknown and the uncertainty of the future. It also shows how the parent is trying to hold onto their dreams for the children, even though they may never be realized. Furthermore, the speaker uses a metaphor of a fire to describe their parental love: “but the heat of my love will never cease to glow” (Smith, 2020). This metaphor serves to emphasize the intensity and warmth of the parent’s love for their children despite the changing circumstances.

Lastly, Smith incorporates personification into the poem to add further depth to the speaker’s character. The first instance of personification comes when the speaker refers to their own heart as a bird struggling to keep up with the changes in their children: “My heart flutters to keep up with yours” (Smith, 2020). This personification expresses the difficulty and confusion the parent experiences with the rapid changes in their children and their relationships with them. Additionally, the speaker personifies time itself, saying “time marches us all away” (Smith, 2020). This emphasizes the theme of change that is present throughout the poem, emphasizing how helpless the parent is against the inexorability of the passage of time that brings about these changes.

Through the use of these examples of figurative language, Smith helps to not only solidify the speaker’s character, but also to connect the parent to the reader on an emotional level. They create an impression of the parent’s longing to protect their children and keep them close, while at the same time recognizing that they must eventually let them go. By employing these devices, the poem has a powerful effect on the reader, giving them a greater understanding of the parent’s character and the complex emotions experienced by these individuals as their children become adults.

Answer 2

In poetry, figurative language is often used to create imagery and evoke emotions. The use of figurative language can also reveal the speaker's personality or character. For example, if a speaker uses vivid and colorful language, it may suggest that they have a creative and imaginative personality.

Likewise, if a speaker uses metaphors, similes, or other forms of figurative language to describe their teenage children, it can reveal their attitudes and feelings towards their children. For instance, if a speaker describes their children as "wild stallions" or "rebellious spirits," it suggests that they view their children as energetic and challenging.

In addition, the speaker's tone and language can also reveal their character. For example, if the speaker uses a lot of humor and sarcasm, it suggests that they have a playful and witty personality. On the other hand, if the speaker uses a lot of serious and somber language, it suggests that they are more contemplative and introspective.

Overall, the use of figurative language in poetry can provide insight into the speaker's personality, emotions, and attitudes. By analyzing the specific examples of figurative language in a poem, we can better understand the speaker and their perspective on the subject matter.