Use of Oxymoron in “Mushrooms” by Sylvia Plath Definition of oxymoron = a combination of contradictory or incongruous words such as ‘soft rock’ or ‘cruel kindness.’

Example quotation and effect of device Example quotation of device from poem = “soft fists” from line 10. Effect = when a poet uses an oxymoron it points out a contradictory idea which draws the reader’s attention. It suggests to the reader that they look closely. In this poem the “soft fists” remind the reader that, although mushrooms are soft, they have to be powerful and strong (as in “fists”) to push their way through hard earth overnight. Perhaps the reader has never before recognized the strength of a mushroom.

Meaning of “Mushrooms” Clearly the poem is about mushrooms as suggested by the title. The mushrooms appear overnight. They have been able to push aside leaves and needles, they have squeezed through paving stones, and they have pushed through little cracks in the ground and in rocks. They have done all this on a diet of nothing but water. There are hundreds of them that grow in the same area. They appear to look like tables and shelves. Even though they are weak, they multiply. The poet jokingly exaggerates that, if mushrooms keep growing at that rate, they will one day take over the world. It’s like a redo of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!

Illustration of mushrooms

Picture of Sylvia Plath

Excerpts from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll PUN-Definition: usually humorous use of a word to suggest TWO or more of its meanings, or another word similar in sound. EXAMPLE: I’ll start a bakery if I can raise the dough. Get it? Excerpts from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll “And how many hours a day did you do lessons?” said Alice, in a hurry to change the subject. “Ten hours the first day,” said the Mock Turtle, “nine the next, And so on.” “What a curious plan!” exclaimed Alice. That’s the reason they’re called lessons,” the Gryphon remarked: “because they lessen from day to day.” (= quote) OR “Auhhh!” exclaimed the little door. “Oh, I do beg your pardon,” said Alice. “Quite all right, but you did give me quite a turn,” returned the little door. (= quote) “You see I am following…,” began Alice. “Quite a good one, wouldn’t you say? Door knob, turn,” joked the little door.

Meaning In the first excerpt, Alice, the Gryphon, and the Mock Turtle are talking about how the lessons get shorter every day. Thus, they lessen. Effect = humor. That is funny!!!!! It is a play on the words “lesson” and “lessen” (to make fewer). In the second excerpt, the door uses the old idiom “You gave me quite a turn” which people say when someone surprises them. In this quote, not only did Alice surprise the door, but she also TURNED his handle. Get it? That is funny ha ha!!!

EFFECT OF RHETORICAL DEVICE KNOWN AS PUN: Puns add humor EFFECT OF RHETORICAL DEVICE KNOWN AS PUN: Puns add humor. The play on words in this excerpt is on the words ‘lesson”’ and ‘lessen.’ A ‘lesson’ is a presentation by a teacher to a student about a certain topic, but ‘lessen’ means to become less or to reduce in length or time. The pun is funny because the lessons (students are often represented as not liking schools and lessons) are getting shorter which most children would love! It gives the character who says the pun a humorous nature – or even shows him as a bit silly. Puns add humor. The play on words in this excerpt is on the words “lesson” and “lessen.” A lesson ia a presentation by a teacher to a student about a certain topic, but lessen means to become less or reduce. The pun is funny because the lessons (students are often represented as not liking schools and lessons) are getting shorter which most children would love!

Illustration of excerpt

Charles Dickens

“The Courage That My Mother Had” by Edna St. Vincent Millay The Courage That My Mother Had  repetition Edna St. Vincent Millay  The courage that my mother had  repetition Went with her, and is with her still:  Rock from New England quarried; Now granite in a granite hill.  The golden brooch my mother wore  She left behind for me to wear;  I have no thing I treasure more:  Yet, it is something I could spare.  Oh, if instead she’d left to me  The thing she took into the grave!—  That courage like a rock, which she  Has no more need of, and I have.

Meaning of poem Edna’s mother has died. When she was alive, her mother had great courage as strong as the rock known as granite. She lived in New England (Maine) where granite comes from. Her mother owned a brooch (a piece of jewelry) which is a material possession left to Edna by her mother. After Edna’s mother dies she is very sad and needs courage to deal with her grief. Unfortunately, her mother could not leave courage in her will because that is not a material possession such as a brooch.

Definition of device, quote, and effect -Repetition The device literally means to repeat or to say the same words over and over, or to perform the same act over and over. The repetition in this poem is the title “The Courage That Her Mother Had” and one line of the poem repeats that. The effect of using repetition is for the emphasis of an idea. It is such an important concept that is repeated that the poet wants to make sure you will see it. The item Edna needs so badly after the loss of her mother is courage and she wants to be sure the reader knows that.

A brooch and a granite rock Granite rock symbolizes courage.

Edna St. Vincent Millay