“Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” POETIC DEVICES “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket”

alliteration The repetition of initial sounds in neighboring words. Don’t delay downs disarming display. Those tidal thoroughbreds that tango. Careless cars cutting corners create confusion.

aSSONANCE The repetition of vowel sounds but not consonant sounds. Feet sweep by sleeping geeks.

simile A comparison of two unlike things in which a word of comparison (like or as) is used (e.g. The ant scurried as fast as a cheetah.) The goalkeeper was as solid as a rock.

metaphor The comparison of two unlike things in which no words of comparison (like or as) are used The speech gave me food for thought. Life is a journey.

rhyme The similarity of ending sounds existing between two words. Clare was a wife who cared Never a complaint did she air Nearly lost her husband Tom Who under the terror remained calm.

allusion An implied or indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, or event. He was a real Scrooge during the holidays.

repetition The repeating of words, phrases, lines, or stanzas.

“Contents of the dead man’s pocket” by Jack Finney Using Poetic Devices

Poetic epitaph Marlene Flougher 47 years I spent looking, smelling, wanting a garden. A simple garden with flowers like a jungle (SIMILE) To tame the wild beast within my heart. But Anthony said, “No , it’s a frivolous thing Do something worthwhile. Don’t be silly and dig in the dirt. He denied me my garden. He denied me my desire. (ASSONANCE) He denied me my life He denied …me. (REPETITION) Now I rest in death undenied as flowers above me bloom.

Anthony flougher (ALLUSION) She was my wife, my Echo and she whined whined and whined (REPETITION) all the time about that stupid garden And then she disappeared so fast Withering away like the flowers she longed for (SIMILE) Oh, what I would give to have had her back Her tender touch and her sweet song (ALLITERATION) But my punishment was to live another 30 years …alone. To those of you who pass by here Remember the importance of what seems insignificant to one can be the life of another.