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Richard Wilbur's 'A Measuring Worm'

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Ben Segall Segall 1
Gordon Roadcap
Poem Explication Essay

Richard Wilbur's poem "A Measuring Worm" captures the innocence and natural progression of life through the metaphor of a caterpillar. The speaker in the poem observes a yellow-striped green caterpillar as it climbs up a steep window screen, and the simple actions of the creature become an allegory for the speaker's own life. The poem's themes include growth, change, and mortality. The use of poetic devices such as imagery and metaphor, as well as the poem's structure, contribute to the effective conveyance of these themes.
The poem begins with the speaker observing the caterpillar's …show more content…

It reminds us that our journey is a slow and gradual process, and we must persevere through the ups and downs of life, one inch at a time. This message is particularly relevant to our lives, as we all face uncertainty and unpredictability. We often have goals and aspirations, but the path to achieving them is often filled with challenges and obstacles.
Like the measuring worm and the speaker in the poem, we must persevere and stay determined in the face of adversity. We must also remember that personal growth and transformation are slow processes that require patience and perseverance. The quote also encourages us to embrace the unknown and the mysteries of life. We cannot predict what lies ahead, but we can choose to embrace the journey and find beauty in the process. This is a reminder to focus on the present moment and appreciate the small steps we take toward personal growth and self-discovery.
The use of metaphor in the poem is particularly effective in conveying its themes. The caterpillar's journey represents the natural progression of life, and the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly represents growth and change. The poem also contains a sense of mortality, as the caterpillar's journey ultimately leads to its death. The speaker's own journey of growth and change is also uncertain, suggesting that the poem is not just about the caterpillar, but about all of us and the universal experience of

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