The Vietnam Wall Analysis

A Big Box of Crayons “We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others bright, some have weird names, but they all have learned to live together in the same box” (Fulgham, Robert). In the same way, each individual is a unique crayon, and we all live together in one big box, the world. Rituals of Memory, by Kimberly Blaeser, also uses symbolism to describes relationships like a loop that always returns. Similarly, Alberto Rios, in The Vietnam Wall, brings us on his journey while viewing the Vietnam Wall, which serves as a symbol of America’s honor and those who died or remain missing from the Vietnam War. The Gettysburg Address, however, uses allusions to convey that all men are created equal

He incorporates many similes and metaphors throughout his picture poem. Including, “I/ Have seen it/ And I like it: The magic/ The way like cutting onions” (Rios, Alberto 34). This comparison helps the reader connect with the emotions one feels visiting the wall. Alberto also describes in detail every aspect of the wall. An example of this is line 12 when he states, “The walk is slow at first/ Easy, a little black marble wall/ Of a dollhouse/ A smoothness of shine.” Towards the end of the poem, Rios explains how the wall is honored by all who stand before it, be child, teenager, or adult. By way of example, he states in line 30, “Little kids do not make the same noise/ Here, junior high school boys don’t run/ Or hold each other in headlocks” (Rios, Alberto 34). By use of similes and metaphors, as well as images, Alberto Rios creates a vivid picture of the wall in the reader’s mind and conveys that people of different ages, gender, and culture are united by the

The language he uses throughout his speech is one of the many things that make it so memorable. “Four score and seven years ago” is more poetic and elegant than “Eighty-seven years ago.” In addition, Lincoln uses allusions multiple times in his speech. For instance, “Four score and seven” was an allusion to the Bible's Psalms 90:10. Another example is line 21 when Lincoln states, “That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” This was inspired from the “Second Reply to Hayne” by Senator Daniel Webster. Both used imagery of birth, life, and death as an innuendo to the nation. For a two-minute address, Lincoln hit the dot with his speech. He clearly conveyed to the audience that all men are equal and