Table of ContentsIntroductionRepresentation of the Theme of Impermanence in PoemsConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionThe concept of impermanence is a familiar theme in the realm of human existence. All living things undergo processes of aging and ultimately disappearance, and even the material goods that humanity uses to improve life inevitably deteriorate. It's no wonder that poetry frequently addresses this topic, as it serves as an artistic means to capture the essence of life and its fleeting nature. Notably, works like Percy Shelley's "Ozymandias" and Robert Frost's "Nothing Gold Can Stay" both skillfully convey the idea of ​​impermanence through the skillful use of rhyme, metaphor, and alliteration . Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"?Get an original essayRepresentation of the theme of impermanence in poemsAlliteration, a poetic device that uses the repetition of consonants, is often exploited to infuse musicality in poetry. Shelley's introspective sonnet uses alliteration not only to enhance the aural quality of the verse, but also to imbue a sense of robustness to the imposing statue of Ozymandias. The poem requires the reader to utter the line “Two vast, trunkless legs of stone stand in the desert,” with emphasis on the consonants “s” and “l.” These are soft sounds which, when pronounced without accent, can be mixed indiscriminately. By requiring the reader to articulate them deliberately, the poem creates a pronounced effect. Additionally, Shelley describes the statue's face as possessing a "cold command", employing the hard consonant "c" to evoke images reminiscent of stone. This strategic use of alliteration emphasizes Ozymandias' strength and serves as a striking juxtaposition with the poem's eventual revelation of the impermanence of even the most powerful. In “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” Frost uses alliteration to lend fluidity to his verses. The poem begins with harsh consonants in the opening line, "Green is Gold", then gradually shifts to softer consonants, as evidenced in lines such as "Its hardest shade to remember" and "So Eden has sunk...", before returning to a more powerful consonant with "Dawn is descending today". This change in alliteration reflects the changing states of nature's foliage, evoking a powerful feeling of the fleeting nature of all life. Both poets also use metaphor to illustrate the impermanence of existence. Frost uses nature as a metaphor, describing the foliage of leaves and stating that "the first green is gold." He goes on to describe green as “the hardest hue to remember” in nature. In these lines, Frost masterfully introduces the concept of the fleeting nature of life, a theme that resonates universally with individuals. However, the poem does not limit itself to comparing life to nature alone. Frost introduces a subtle biblical reference with the phrase “Then Eden sank in sorrow.” Eden, in this context, constitutes a powerful metaphor for the fleeting quality of life. It invokes the spiritual and intangible aspects of existence. In the Torah, Eden represents an idyllic world from which humanity was banished after partaking of the tree of knowledge. For many, Eden symbolizes a perfect realm that has deteriorated to a less desirable state, which humanity aspires to restore. Frost cleverly uses this reference to strengthen his argument, reminding readers that even sacred symbols of human perfection are depicted as transient.:10.1080/00144940.1986.9933497