Figurative Language In Theodore Roethke's The Root Cellar

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Although Theodore Roethke uses several examples of figurative language in his poem, “The Root Cellar,” two that stand out are his use of similes and personification. In line five, Roethke uses a simile to compare the roots and shoots to tropical snakes. From this example the reader can get an image of the roots slithering around the cellar looking for a way to break free. In the final line of “The Root Cellar,” Roethke uses personification when he says that the dirt in the cellar takes a breath. Anyone old enough to read knows that dirt does not actually breathe. This example is used to make the readers believe in never giving up. The dirt in the cellar will most likely never get to leave but it breaths anyways and is not giving up hope. Both of these examples of figurative language are used to help the reader get a better understanding of the real meaning of Roethke’s, “The Root Cellar.” …show more content…

The small, “roots, bulbs, shoots, and tubers,” are all working to find a way of of the cellar. The first (8) lines of the poem all describe the items in the cellar fighting to find a way out. However, the last two lines describe the dirt that will stay there forever, and how even in this situation, still breathes. It pertains to life because everyday people, big and small, are fighting their way to the top in everything they do. It also relates to fortitude because it reminds people to never give up when they face adversity. It is all about overcoming things in your life even when you are in complete darkness. That is exactly what the roots, bulbs, and tubers are trying to do in this poem. The two themes, life and fortitude, really bring out the poem’s overall meaning, to fight on and never give

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