Question

Use the excerpt from the poem "Late September" by Amy Lowell to answer the question.

Warmth of earth, and cloudless wind

Tearing off the husky rind,

Blowing feathered seeds to fall

By the sun-baked, sheltering wall.

In three to five sentences, explain how the poet uses figurative language to express meaning in this stanza.

(4 points)

1 answer

In this excerpt from "Late September," Amy Lowell employs vivid imagery and personification to convey the dynamic interaction between nature and the changing season. The "cloudless wind" is personified as an active force, "tearing off the husky rind," suggesting a sense of urgency and vitality in the natural world. This imagery evokes feelings of warmth and life, contrasting with the dry, tough exterior hinted at by "husky rind." Additionally, the phrase "blowing feathered seeds to fall" portrays the dispersal of seeds as a nurturing and gentle act, emphasizing the cycle of growth and renewal inherent in the autumn season. Overall, Lowell’s use of figurative language creates a rich and immersive depiction of the transition from summer to fall, highlighting nature's resilience and beauty.