The figurative speech and literary devices in Class 10 English poems are key to excelling in both exams and literature appreciation. Poems like Dust of Snow, Fire and Ice, and The Ball Poem use various figures of speech such as imagery, alliteration, personification, and symbolism, which enrich the meaning and impact of the verses. By grasping these literary techniques, students can better interpret the poems and express insightful answers. This Blog post will help you understand these devices in detail, making it easier to analyze the poems, understand their themes, and prepare effectively for your CBSE exams. Tips for Identifying Figurative Language in CBSE Class 10th Poetry

Easy Ways to Analyze Figurative Speech in Class 10th English

Figurative speech in poems can seem challenging at first, but with the right approach, it becomes an insightful and enjoyable experience. Start by identifying the types of figurative language used, such as metaphors, similes, or personification. For example, when reading Dust of Snow, pay attention to how the falling snow symbolizes a shift in the poet’s mood. Once you've identified these devices, consider how they contribute to the overall message of the poem. In The Ball Poem, the loss of the ball isn’t just about losing an object; it’s a deeper reflection on the loss of childhood innocence and personal growth. Think about the context in which these devices appear—do they reflect emotions, thoughts, or themes of larger significance? Analyzing the tone and mood created by these devices is also important. For instance, the repetition of sounds in Fire and Ice adds intensity and urgency, reinforcing the destructive power of human emotions. By breaking down these literary elements and understanding their deeper implications, you’ll uncover new layers of meaning in the poems and be better equipped for your exams.

Dust of Snow (by Robert Frost)  

Theme: A small incident can bring a significant change in one’s mood and perspective. The poem portrays how small, seemingly insignificant events can have a profound impact on our mood and outlook. The poet uses the imagery of a crow shaking off snow from a hemlock tree, a moment that changes his day for the better. Both the crow and the hemlock tree, traditionally associated with negativity, symbolize unexpected sources of positivity. The poem emphasizes that even in the darkest times, hope and joy can arise from the simplest of experiences, encouraging readers to find beauty and optimism in everyday moments, even those that may initially seem unpleasant or unremarkable.  

Figurative Speech:

Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.  

• Has given my heart - repetition of 'h' sound.  
• Saved some part - repetition of 's' sound.  

Symbolism:

• The crow symbolizes ill omen or misfortune but brings positivity here.  
•  The hemlock tree symbolizes negativity or poison but becomes a source of inspiration.  

Imagery: Dust of snow creates a vivid image of snowflakes falling gently.  

Fire and Ice (by Robert Frost)  

Theme: Human emotions, like desire and hatred, can lead to the destruction of the world. The poem explores the destructive potential of human emotions like desire and hatred. Robert Frost uses fire as a metaphor for intense passion and desire, while ice represents coldness and hatred. Both emotions are capable of destroying the world, either through burning intensity or chilling apathy. The poem reflects on the duality of human nature, highlighting that excess in extreme can lead to ruin. It also prompts readers to contemplate the fragile balance of emotions and the need for self-awareness to prevent chaos, making it a timeless reflection on human behavior and relationships.

Figurative Speech: 

Imagery:

• Fire represents desire and passion.  
• Ice symbolizes hatred and coldness.  

Symbolism: Fire and ice symbolize destructive human emotions.  

Antithesis: Contrasting ideas of fire (hot) and ice (cold) are placed together.  

Alliteration: I hold with those who favour fire - repetition of 'f' sound.  

 A Tiger in the Zoo (by Leslie Norris)  

Theme: The contrast between a tiger’s natural habitat and its captivity highlights human cruelty towards animals. This poem contrasts the majestic freedom of a tiger in the wild with its subdued existence in captivity. The tiger, confined to a cage, symbolizes the loss of independence and the cruelty of human intervention in nature. The poet highlights the tiger’s natural instincts, such as stalking prey and roaming freely, which are suppressed in captivity. This creates a stark contrast between the vibrant life the tiger deserves and its restricted, monotonous reality. The poem serves as a critique of human disregard for wildlife and emphasizes the need for respecting animals' natural habitats and freedom.  

Figurative Speech: 

Imagery: 

• Stalking the length of his cage creates a visual of the tiger’s confinement.  
• In his quiet rage gives a sensory feel of suppressed anger.  

Personification: The tiger is given human emotions, like rage and frustration.  

Alliteration: 

• He stalks in his vivid stripes - repetition of 's' sound.  
• Locked in a concrete cell - repetition of 'c' sound.  

Metaphor: Quiet rage is a metaphor for suppressed anger and helplessness.  

How to Tell Wild Animals (by Carolyn Wells)  

Theme: A humorous take on identifying wild animals by their appearance and behavior. Through humor and wit, the poem introduces readers to various wild animals and their distinguishing traits. Carolyn Wells describes animals like tigers, lions, bears, and leopards in a light-hearted, almost comical manner, often exaggerating their ferocity for effect. The poem humorously warns readers about the dangers of encountering these creatures, blending educational insights with amusing exaggerations. It highlights the diversity of wildlife while subtly reminding readers of their untamed nature. The playful tone makes the poem entertaining while conveying an underlying message about the awe and respect wild animals inspire.  

Figurative Speech: 

Alliteration:

• If he roars at you as you're dyin’ - repetition of 'r' sound.  
• The Bengal Tiger is a savage beast - repetition of 'b' sound.  

Humor and Irony: The poem humorously describes how identifying animals might lead to dangerous encounters.  

Imagery: A noble wild beast greets you creates a vivid picture of a tiger.  

Personification: Animals are given human traits like greeting and smiling.  

The Ball Poem (by John Berryman)  

Theme: The poem focuses on loss, grief, and acceptance as part of growing up. The poem addresses the themes of loss, grief, and acceptance, symbolized by a boy losing his ball. The ball represents the boy’s childhood memories and the emotional attachments we form in life. The boy's initial reaction of sorrow signifies the pain of losing something dear, while his eventual acceptance reflects maturity. The poem suggests that loss is an inevitable part of life, teaching us resilience and the importance of moving forward. Through this simple yet profound narrative, the poet conveys the universal experience of growing up and learning to cope with life’s challenges.  

Figurative Speech: 

Personification: The ball symbolizes the boy’s possessions and childhood memories.  

Imagery: The ball went bouncing, bouncing down the street creates a clear mental picture.  

Symbolism: The ball symbolizes personal loss and the boy’s attachment to material things.  

Amanda! (by Robin Klein)

Theme: The struggles of a child under constant parental control and her longing for freedom. This poem highlights the struggles of a young girl named Amanda, caught between her vivid imagination and the restrictions imposed by her parents. Amanda yearns for freedom, dreaming of a carefree life as a mermaid, an orphan, or Rapunzel, away from constant instructions and criticisms. The poem contrasts Amanda’s imaginative escape with her reality, emphasizing the stifling nature of overbearing parenting. It sheds light on the importance of nurturing a child’s individuality and the adverse effects of excessive control. The poem invites readers to reflect on the balance between discipline and freedom in parenting.  

Figurative Speech:

Alliteration: Stop that slouching and sit up straight - repetition of 's' sound.  

Imagery: Amanda imagines herself as a mermaid and Rapunzel to escape reality.  

Irony: The freedom Amanda desires contrasts sharply with her actual controlled life.  

Symbolism: Mermaid symbolizes Amanda’s longing for freedom.  

Animals (by Walt Whitman)  

Theme: The poem contrasts humans’ greed and hypocrisy with animals’ simplicity and contentment. The poem contrasts the simplicity and contentment of animals with the complexity and greed of human beings. Walt Whitman admires animals for their honesty, self-sufficiency, and lack of material desires, traits that humans have lost over time. He laments the hypocrisy, dissatisfaction, and obsession with materialism prevalent in human society. By highlighting the purity of animals, the poet encourages readers to introspect and rediscover the values of kindness, humility, and contentment. The poem is a gentle critique of human behavior and a celebration of the natural harmony embodied by animals.

Figurative Speech: 

Repetition: They do not... They do not... emphasizes animals' lack of vices.  

Imagery: They bring me tokens of myself evokes a clear mental picture.  

Metaphor: I stand and look at them long and long symbolizes introspection.  

Symbolism: Animals symbolize innocence and authenticity.  

The Trees (by Adrienne Rich)  

Theme: The poem symbolizes the silent struggle of trees against human domination and the need for freedom. This poem symbolizes freedom and resistance against oppression through the metaphor of trees breaking free from human constraints. The trees, confined indoors, begin to reclaim their natural place in the forest, signifying the fight for liberation. The poem also highlights the interdependence of humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of allowing nature to thrive. The poet critiques humanity’s tendency to dominate and control, urging readers to respect the autonomy of the natural world. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of nature and the necessity of coexistence and balance.  

Figurative Speech:  

Personification: The trees are moving out into the forest gives trees human-like qualities.  

Imagery: The moon is broken like a mirror creates a vivid visual.  

Alliteration: The forest that was empty all these days - repetition of 't' sound.  

Symbolism: The trees represent freedom and resistance.  

Fog (by Carl Sandburg)  

Theme: The fog is compared to a cat in its silent and mysterious arrival and departure. The poem likens the arrival and departure of fog to the quiet and mysterious movements of a cat. Carl Sandburg uses this metaphor to describe the fog's silent approach, its still presence over the city and harbor, and its eventual departure without a sound. The poem captures the transient and enigmatic quality of nature, encouraging readers to observe and appreciate its subtle beauty. Its simplicity and brevity emphasize the poet’s ability to find profound meaning in everyday phenomena, making it a delightful reflection on the natural world.  

Figurative Speech: 

Metaphor: The fog is metaphorically compared to a cat.  

Imagery: It sits looking over harbor and city creates a vivid mental picture.  

Personification: The fog is given human-like characteristics, such as sitting and looking.  

The Tale of Custard the Dragon (by Ogden Nash)  

Theme: A humorous poem highlighting bravery and the courage of an unlikely hero. This humorous narrative poem tells the story of Custard, a seemingly timid dragon who turns out to be the bravest in a moment of crisis. The poem humorously portrays bravery through irony, as the dragon’s bravery contrasts with the overconfidence of other characters. Ogden Nash highlights the theme of inner strength and challenges stereotypes about appearances and behavior. The poem also emphasizes that true courage emerges in challenging situations. Its playful tone and rhyming structure make it an enjoyable read while delivering an inspiring message about self-worth and bravery.  

Figurative Speech:

Humor and Irony: Custard, the cowardly dragon, proves to be the bravest.  

Alliteration: Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears - repetition of 'b' sound.  

Imagery: The pirate gaped at the pirate’s head vividly describes the scene.  

Personification: The pets (Custard, Ink, and Blink) are given human traits.  

For Anne Gregory (by William Butler Yeats)  

Theme: The poem explores the superficiality of physical beauty and the desire for true love. The poem explores the fleeting nature of physical beauty and the desire for love based on inner qualities. Through a conversation between the poet and Anne Gregory, the poem contrasts superficial admiration with genuine affection. The poet suggests that people often focus on external appearances, like Anne’s golden hair, rather than inner virtues. It critiques society’s obsession with physical beauty and underscores the value of inner qualities like kindness and integrity. The poem encourages readers to seek deeper connections and recognize the impermanence of outward charm.  

Figurative Speech:

Alliteration: Honey-coloured ramparts at your ear - repetition of 'h' sound.  

Imagery: Your great honey-coloured ramparts at your ear creates a vivid picture of Anne’s beauty.  

Symbolism: Ramparts symbolize beauty that shields inner worth.  

Irony: While beauty fades, inner virtues endure, contrasting societal values.

Conclusion

The literary devices used in Class 10 English poems is crucial for mastering both the content and the analysis required for the CBSE exams. From symbolism and metaphors to personification and alliteration, each poetic device plays a vital role in enhancing the depth and meaning of the poems. By delving into these literary techniques, students can not only improve their interpretation skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for poetry. With this knowledge, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any exam questions on Class 10 English poems and achieve excellent results in your studies. Meanwhile, by understanding the use of figurative speech in these poems, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation of their themes, making it easier to answer literature-based questions effectively.