Julio Polanco's Poem Identity

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Recommended: Poetry and theme of identity identity

In the poem “Identity”, the author Julio Polanco uses an extended metaphor portraying individuality. The weed in this piece represents being different by “stand[ing] alone, strong and free” unlike a flower harnessed by a pot (Polanco, stanza 5). Although a weed is generally negatively connotated, in this is poem its originality is admired by the author. Since weeds are less desirable, they have no restrictions therefore its free to be itself. This metaphor creates a message of individuality by changing the perspective of a weed to be more similar to the normal idea of a flower, which is to be loved and appreciated for all it is. Another literary device that contributes to the theme of individualism is imagery. The author prefers to “smell

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