Literary Devices in “Mama Is a Sunrise” by Evlyn Tooley Hunt
In the tender verses of “Mama Is a Sunrise” by Evlyn Tooley Hunt, the poet eloquently paints a portrait of maternal warmth and the transformative power of a mother’s presence. Through vivid comparisons and evocative language, Hunt captures the essence of the maternal role as a source of light, comfort, and enduring promise. Let’s delve into the poetic elements that enrich this celebration of maternal love.
See poem below
Mama Is a Sunrise by Evlyn Tooley Hunt
When she comes slip – footing through the door,
she kindles us
like lump coal lighted,
and we wake up glowing.
She puts a spark even in Papa’s eyes
and turns out all our darkness.
When she comes sweet – talking in the room,
She warms us
Like grits and gravy.
and we rise up shining.
Even at night – time Mama is a sunrise
that promises tomorrow and tomorrow.
Literary Devices in Mama is a sunrise poem
1. Simile: Hunt employs similes to convey the impact of Mama’s arrival. The image of Mama slip-footing through the door, kindling the family like “lump coal lighted,” evokes a sense of warmth and illumination. The comparison to coal suggests a slow, steady brightness that permeates and glows, symbolizing Mama’s enduring influence.
2. Imagery: The vivid imagery of Mama sweet-talking in the room, warming the family “like grits and gravy,” paints a sensory and intimate picture. The choice of comfort food enhances the imagery, evoking a sense of nourishment, sustenance, and the emotional fulfillment that Mama brings to the household.
3. Metaphor: The metaphor of Mama as a sunrise, even at night-time, adds depth to the poem. The sunrise becomes a symbol of hope, renewal, and the promise of a new day. By extending the metaphor to the nighttime, Hunt underscores the constancy of Mama’s nurturing presence and the enduring assurance she provides.
4. Personification: The personification of Mama turning out all darkness and putting a spark in Papa’s eyes gives life to the emotional impact she has on the family. Darkness becomes a metaphor for troubles or challenges, and Mama emerges as the illuminating force that dispels shadows and brings light to her loved ones.
5. Repetition: The repetition of “she kindles us” and “we wake up glowing” creates a rhythmic cadence, emphasizing the cyclical nature of Mama’s impact. The repetition reinforces the theme of renewal and highlights the continuous warmth that Mama imparts to her family.
In conclusion, Evlyn Tooley Hunt’s “Mama Is a Sunrise” is a lyrical ode to the transformative power of maternal love. Through similes, imagery, metaphor, personification, repetition, and themes of promise, Hunt captures the timeless essence of a mother’s influence. The poem celebrates the daily rituals of Mama’s presence, portraying her as a constant source of light, warmth, and hope in the lives of her loved ones.
As we bask in the radiance of Mama’s sunrise, Hunt’s verses invite us to reflect on the profound impact of maternal love—the kindling force that brightens our days, warms our hearts, and promises an enduring tomorrow. “Mama Is a Sunrise” stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and significance of the maternal role in shaping and illuminating the fabric of family life.
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