Dennis Scott: Poems Literary Elements

The poems are narrated from the perspective of a subjective first person narrator.

The poems do not have a fixed form and meter because they are written in different styles.

In the poem "Uncle Time’’ the narrator compares time with the spider. The comparison is important because it has the purpose of transmitting the idea that the uncle is a dangerous person who has the capability to hurt anyone.

We find alliteration in the line "him tell yu: watch de hill an' yu se mi.’’

The poem ‘’The never ending blame game’’ is an ironic one because while initially one may think the narrator praises those who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions, it becomes clear that the narrator is mocking them.

Narrative poems

The poem ‘’Uncle Time’’ is set on a beach.

The tone used in the poem ‘’The never ending blame game’’ is an ironic one.

The protagonist in the poem ‘’Uncle time’’ is the small boy and the antagonist is Uncle Time.

The major conflict in the poem ‘’Uncle Time’’ is between life and death.

The poem ‘’Uncle Time’’ reaches its climax when time traps in his webs the small boy.

No foreshadowing can be found in the poems.

The title of the poem ‘’Uncle Time’’ transmits the idea that Time is something we should not be afraid of, someone akin to a family member. This is however an understatement as it is proven that time is extremely dangerous.

One of the things alluded in the poem ‘’The never ending blame game’’ is how humans developed the tendency to blame others for their problems as a result of the heartbreak they had to suffer.

The term "sh*t’’ is used in the poem as a general term to make reference to the foolish things a person may do.

We find a personification in the poem ‘’Uncle Time’’ in the line ‘’ long, lazy years’’.

We find a hyperbole in the poem ‘’Uncle Time’’ in the line ‘’ All year long 'im wash 'im foot in de sea,’’.

No onomatopoeia can be found in the poems.