The tone of the poem is one of regret and remorse, as the speaker looks back on his younger self's lack of appreciation for his father's sacrifices. The diction used by Hayden is simple and straightforward, reflecting the speaker's plain and honest reflection on his past actions. The imagery of the cold winter mornings and the father's selfless acts, such as "cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather," evokes a sense of sacrifice and hardship.
Through these elements, the poem conveys a deep sense of remorse and guilt for not recognizing the love and care his father showed him. The speaker's realization that his father's actions were not merely routine tasks, but acts of love and sacrifice, adds to the emotional impact of the poem. The use of imagery, such as the "blueback cold" and "austere" tone, further emphasizes the harshness of the father's circumstances and the speaker's guilt for not appreciating them. Overall, the poem effectively conveys the speaker's regret and the importance of recognizing and appreciating the love and sacrifices of those closest to us.
With close reference to the tone, diction, and imagery in the poem, discuss the
statement above. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of
200-250 words (about ONE page) in length.
In 'Those Winter Sundays' by Robert Hayden, the speaker reflects on his childhood and
realises, from his adult perspective, that he took his father for granted.
1 answer
1 answer