ASSIGNMENT 3.4: Synthesis Essay
PROMPT: Discuss the ways in which poets use descriptive language to show how nature
parallels life. Your essay should be three to five paragraphs long about 500 words.
Nature poetry mesmerizes the reader in its chaos and inspiration of the natural world by
revealing reality. Poets reveal love, emotions, imagination and beauty through their literary work.
Nature is a source of inspiration when it comes to describing the world around them. Poets use
descriptive language to show how nature parallels life. But is nature truly a reflection of human
struggles and peace? The poems, “Big Wind”, “Afterglow” and “Loss”, utilize a descriptive
language to encourage its readers to use their imagination to see life reflected and connected to
nature.
Life is full of uncertainty; one cannot stop the obstacles but can prepare to ensure a way out. The
poem “Big Wind” by Theodore Roethke shows the parallels of nature to life by disclosing the
challenges one faces. Poet talks about two distinct sides of nature; the storm and the roses. The
beginning of the poem, “Where were the greenhouses going, Lunging into the lashing Wind
driving water So far down the river” thoroughly reveals the struggles and challenges life sends
on and how it builds on by nature. The poem moves on a sense of hope and the persistency of
human nature, as the line says “We stayed all night, stuffing the holes with burlap”, to love and
affection towards nature, “She sailed until the calm morning, carrying her full cargo of roses”.
The use of descriptive language is exceedingly precise and symbolizes the human spirit.