New Formalism
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The New Formalism Movement began in the United States in the late 20th century. New Formalists were repulsed by the form in which many poets at the time wrote their verses, in free verse without a format and a particular rhythm or style. New Formalists preferred to write in a more traditional and metrical way than in free verse. Many of these poets disliked how free verse was so popular during the Cold War
"Fae" by Timothy Steele
Poem Analysis
Timothy Steele's poem Fae is definitely not written in free verse, which all New Formalists would never write in. He does rhyme and also uses a traditional type of form. The poem rhymes as well. Steele in this poem is talking about an old lady, a grandmother figure in his life, possibly a neighbor that he enjoys associating with. He respects her very much and gets angry at impatient drivers who won't let a little old lady cross in peace. Steele states that she has been a widow for ten years which is why he talks to her enthusiastically and wholeheartedly. This small talk may seem like a small part of her day, but in reality it probably means so much due to she not having a husband any longer. When crossing the street back home he says that he better watch out or else he'll be killed by Los Angeles drivers' lemons and won't be able to enjoy Fae's lemons. It is apparent that by lemons he meant cars due to his disgust earlier in the poem of the people who sped on by like they were in a Grand Prix. Fae is 82 while he's forty. Steele might see her as his own grandmother or she might be so much like his own that he likes to talk much to her. |
Literary Devices
Simile- Steele compared the disrespectful drivers in the LA street as if they were driving in a Grand Prix. This could also be a hyperbole due to the exaggeration in the statement. Alliteration- Steele uses alliteration with the "f" sound with the words "I bring Fae flowers." Assonance- Steele uses assonance with the sentence " When I cross the street, She meets and gives me lemons from her tree." The "e" vowel sound is used repeatedly. Idiom-The word "Angelenos" was used in the poem and confused me due to not ever using the word. I later figured out that they lived in Los Angeles and made the connection. |