Figurative Language In Theodore Roethke's Root Cellar
Have you ever been lonely? Tired? Depressed? Have you ever had a time in your life when you wanted to give up or even die? But regardless you refused to give up and kept fighting through your pain? This is exactly what Theodore Roethke is referring to in his poem “Root Cellar.” Roethke uses figurative language such as personification, diction and imagery to convey a theme of determination and powering through in his poem.”
One of the ways the theme of determination is underscored is through the use of imagery. Imagery is evident throughout the poem, when Roethke describes the conditions the plants are fighting through. “Nothing would sleep in that cellar, dank as a ditch, Bulbs broke out of boxes hunting for chinks in the dark.” This shows how the environment is toxic and cold but the plants refuse to give up. With this one can visualize the plants fighting for survival and pushing out of the darkness. The technique of imagery allows Roethke to assist the reader in seeing the theme of determination.
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