Loading...
Question 164 of 327

'Yet in their finger upon
Our navel
The midwives of the spirit say
They feel a foetal throb.'

The dominant literary device used in the extract above from Acquahs' In the Navel of the Soul is

  • A. epigram
  • B. rhythm
  • C. allegory
  • D. enjambment

Correct Answer: D

Explanation
The correct option for the dominant literary device used in the extract from Acquah's "In the Navel of the Soul" is D. enjambment. Explanation of the Correct Answer (D. enjambment) Enjambment is a poetic device where a sentence or phrase runs over from one line to the next without a terminal punctuation mark. This technique creates a sense of continuity and can enhance the rhythm and flow of the poem. In the provided extract, we see that the lines do not end with a pause or a full stop, but rather continue into the next line, which is characteristic of enjambment.
  1. Line Structure: The lines "Yet in their finger upon / Our navel" do not conclude with a period or comma, indicating that the thought is incomplete and continues into the next line. This encourages the reader to move quickly to the next line, creating a fluid reading experience.
  2. Emotional Impact: The use of enjambment can also heighten emotional intensity. In this case, the imagery of "the midwives of the spirit" and "they feel a foetal throb" suggests a deep connection to life and creation, which is enhanced by the seamless transition between lines.
  3. Thematic Continuity: The enjambment reflects the ongoing nature of the themes being explored—life, birth, and spiritual connection. The reader is drawn into the poem's exploration of these themes without interruption, mirroring the continuous cycle of life.
Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect A. Epigram: An epigram is a brief, witty, and often satirical poem or statement. The extract does not exhibit the characteristics of an epigram, as it is not concise or focused on delivering a clever or humorous point. Instead, it delves into deeper themes of spirituality and existence. B. Rhythm: While rhythm is certainly present in the poem, it is not the dominant literary device in this specific extract. Rhythm refers to the pattern of sounds and beats in poetry, which can be influenced by various factors, including meter and enjambment. However, the question specifically asks for the dominant device, which in this case is the enjambment that creates the flow of thought. C. Allegory: Allegory is a narrative technique in which characters or events symbolize broader concepts and ideas. The extract does not present a clear allegorical narrative; rather, it focuses on a moment of spiritual reflection. While the themes may have allegorical implications, the primary device at play here is enjambment. Revision Summary
  • Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or phrase beyond the end of a line in poetry, creating flow and continuity.
  • The extract from Acquah's poem exemplifies enjambment as it encourages the reader to move seamlessly from one line to the next.
  • Other options like epigram, rhythm, and allegory do not accurately describe the dominant literary device in this context.
  • Understanding enjambment can enhance your appreciation of how poets manipulate line breaks to influence meaning and emotional impact.
← Previous Next →
Jump to: 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173