In "Yet Gentle Will the Griffin Be" by Vachel Lindsay, the speaker uses diction and syntax to convey a whimsical and childlike perspective on the moon. Words such as "griffin's egg," "shouting," "delight," "creep," "laugh," and "little girls" create a playful tone and evoke a sense of wonder and excitement. The syntax is simple, with short and straightforward sentences that mirror the innocence and simplicity of a child's perspective. The meaning of this poem is that despite the potential fear or unease that some may associate with the moon, it is ultimately portrayed as a harmless creature that brings joy and amusement.
On the other hand, "The Crescent Moon" by Amy Lowell depicts a more tender and intimate relationship between the speaker and the moon. The diction used here is softer and more gentle, with words like "slipping softly," "steady flight," "play hide and seek," and "shiny clouds." The tone is nostalgic and longing, as the speaker yearns for the moon's presence and imagines floating away together through the summer night. The syntax is slightly more complex, with longer sentences that flow like a lullaby. The meaning of this poem is that the moon is portrayed as a cherished companion and source of solace, emphasizing the speaker's desire for connection and the comfort it brings.
While both poems use diction and syntax to create a vivid image of the moon, they differ in their perspectives and tones. "Yet Gentle Will the Griffin Be" takes a more lighthearted and fantastical approach, emphasizing the joy and amusement that the moon brings. Conversely, "The Crescent Moon" invokes a sense of longing and intimacy, portraying the moon as a source of comfort and companionship. Both poems, however, use simple and straightforward syntax to convey their messages effectively. The authors' deliberate choices in diction and syntax highlight the different viewpoints and emotions associated with the moon, showcasing its versatility as a literary symbol.
Read the following poems. Then, respond to the question that follows.
"Yet Gentle Will the Griffin Be"
By Vachel Lindsay
The moon? It is a griffin's egg,
Hatching to-morrow night.
And how the little boys will watch
With shouting and delight
To see him break the shell and stretch
And creep across the sky.
The boys will laugh. The little girls,
I fear,may hide and cry.
Yet gentle will the griffin be,
Most decorous and fat,
And walk up to the milky way
And lap it like a cat.
"The Crescent Moon"
By Amy Lowell
Slipping softly through the sky
Little horned, happy moon,
Can you hear me up so high?
Will you come down soon?
On my nursery window-sill
Will you stay your steady flight?
And then float away with me
Through the summer night?
Brushing over tops of trees,
Playing hide and seek with stars,
Peeping up through shiny clouds
At Jupiter or Mars.
I shall fill my lap with roses
Gathered in the milky way,
All to carry home to mother.
Oh! what will she say!
Little rocking, sailing moon,
Do you hear me shout—Ahoy!
Just a little nearer, moon,
To please a little boy.
In a paragraph of 5–7 sentences, compare and contrast how the authors' diction and syntax describe their varied viewpoints on the moon. In your response, be sure to
explain the differences and similarities in diction, tone, and syntax from each poem
discuss the meaning of each text
use your best grammar, punctuation, and spelling
1 answer