Question

What is the tone of the poem "Wind" by Gwendolyn Bennett? Which words, phrases, and figurative language devices contribute to the tone?

The wind was a care-free soul
That broke the chains of earth,
And strode for a moment across the land
With the wild halloo of his mirth.
He little cared that he ripped up trees,
That houses fell at his hand,
That his step broke calm on the breast of seas,
That his feet stirred clouds of sand.

But when he had had his little joke,
Had shouted and laughed and sung,
When the trees were scarred, their branches broke,
And their foliage aching hung,
He crept to his cave with a stealthy tread,
With rain-filled eyes and low-bowed head.

Answer 1

The poem "Wind" by Gwendolyn Bennett has a playful and mischievous tone at the beginning, which transitions to a more somber and remorseful tone towards the end. The words and phrases used in the poem depict the wind as a care-free soul with a wild and disruptive nature. However, as the poem progresses, the consequences of the wind's actions are revealed, leading to a shift in tone towards regret and reflection. Figurative language devices, such as personification and imagery, enhance the overall effect of the poem.