The excerpt in question comes from Angelou's poem "A Brave
and Startling Truth". The poem, as a whole, discusses the world as a chaotic and
startling place where we, as people, must learn to deal with all we
face.
The exerpt in question depicts the world as a harsh
place to live in. The only things the world offers its inhabitants is bombs, blades, and
daggers. This being said, Angelou points out that even with all of the negative things
which influence and oppress mankind, people are still able to sing beautiful songs and
be in awe of the fact that beauty can come out of such a dark and depressing
place.
The expert uses a few different poetic
devices.
1. Metaphor- The comparison between two things not
using "like" or "as" in the comparison.
The earth is
compared to a "mote of matter" (this is also a kenning--a metaphorical phrase
originating in Anglo-Saxon literature used to heighten the language and
imagery).
2. Personification- The giving of human qualities
or characterisitcs to non-human/non-living things.
"Words
which challenge" is an example of personification given that words cannot challenge;
only people can challenge.
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