preview

An Analysis Of James Deford's Italian Sonnet

Decent Essays
Open Document

Italian Sonnet by James DeFord
Within the poem, Italian Sonnet, James DeFord writes on behalf of a heart broken man longing for his lover to return. Throughout DeFord’s writing, poetic themes and overall observations are shown to help the reader better understand the emotion behind his work. In essence, readers are able to comprehend genre, the authors interpretation and the overall message found within this poem.
According to Ruth Miller and Robert A. Greenberg, writers of the book Poetry, “Genre refers to a mode of writing that follows certain literary rules or conventions that have come down to the poet through custom and use (Miller & Greenberg).” It is apparent that this authors poem can be categorized as a sonnet. A sonnet can be referred to as a fourteen-line poem ending with a couplet. Often seen, sonnets are used to describe the ultimate love and emotion found within a person. In DeFord’s writing he uses the protagonist’s emotions of waiting for his lover to exemplify emotions of lyrical poetry. Lyrical poetry enables readers and audiences alike to fully understands the hardships and emotions of the work through creating a bond between the character and …show more content…

Many forms of imagery are shown to help the reader form an overall connection with the main character. As seen within the second half of the poem, DeFord relates his feelings to a wilted rose. DeFord’s use of a wilted rose demonstrates the hurt and despair that the protagonist is feeling. Also akin to a wilted rose, is the idea of rejection that the character is feeling by his mistress just as a lifeless rose is not wanted. Following DeFord’s use of a rose is the personification of kissing breath. DeFord’s personified use of the kissing breath shows the importance of love in one’s life. Breath, within itself, is vital for everyday living and bodily function just as love is a significant need in one’s

Get Access