Raindrops on a Briar (1948)
Thesis William Carlos Williams uses movement to show writing is superior to painting.
Raindrops on a Briar A Briar is a stem of a plant that has thorns on it. If you look at the briar it looks like nothing is happening but if you look at it closely there’s movement.
Language Imagery: throughout the poem he talks about paints which helps the reader visualize what Williams was trying to say Metaphor: “Pregnant motion” (stanza 4, line 2) Similes: “in space as if they had been-” (stanza 3) “the arching stems irregularly as an accompaniment” (stanza 5)
Structure 5 Stanzas 4 lines per stanza. There are 4 lines because the poem is consistence. Excessive use of commas; ideas all around and that he has a lot of things on his mind. There is just one period. Dashes to give details and many variations First half of the poem all the way to stanza 3 second line before children talks about art and the other half of them poem talks about the way he sees life.
Sound Rhythm: there is a smooth flow throughout the poem Repetition: -ing is showing action/movement gerund. Explains how at first you see ark work as still, but there is a lot of movement.
Style Juxtaposition; Still vs. Movement: the structure of this poem is done smooth Its also juxtaposition because they are placed next to each other. The dialect is the first line of the first stanza. Hipped: means being obsessed.
Mood & Tone Mood: He appreciates all the things around him even though to others it might not be important. Tone: Williams feel passive, using smooth words to describe the poem.
Interpretation He uses motion to notice the feeling between good and bad. We thought it was interesting how the first half was passed on his art work and then the second half was on life. Williams shows that he doesn’t just let the poem be of one thing but can connect it with something else.
Questions How does the title connect to the poem? What are your own opinions on this poem? Why do you think he talks about painting then nature and then a woman pregnant?