Narrative poetry is a type of poetry that tells a story. It has been used to convey emotions, ideas, and stories for centuries. The narrative poem “The Thing About Terry” by Robert Frost is a perfect example of the elements of narrative poetry. In this poem, Frost uses vivid imagery, personification, symbolism, and repetition to convey a story about a young man’s struggle with his identity.
Imagery
The first element of narrative poetry that is reflected in “The Thing About Terry” is imagery. Throughout the poem, Frost uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. He describes Terry as a “boy with a brown eye and a blue,” which sets the tone for the poem and allows the reader to visualize Terry’s unique appearance. He also describes Terry’s struggles with his identity, likening them to “a troubled river that can never be still.” This image serves to emphasize the inner turmoil Terry is experiencing.
Personification
The second element of narrative poetry that is reflected in “The Thing About Terry” is personification. Frost uses personification to give life and personality to inanimate objects. For example, he personifies the river as “a troubled river that can never be still.” This description gives the river human-like qualities, allowing the reader to empathize with Terry’s struggles. He also personifies Terry’s identity, saying that it “tries to be two things at once, and can’t be either.” This description gives Terry’s identity a sense of personality and helps the reader to understand the confusion and frustration Terry is feeling.
Symbolism
The third element of narrative poetry that is reflected in “The Thing About Terry” is symbolism. Frost uses symbols throughout the poem to represent ideas and concepts. He uses the river to symbolize Terry’s identity, saying that it “tries to be two things at once, and can’t be either.” This symbol serves to illustrate Terry’s struggle to find his place in the world. He also uses Terry’s unique eye color to symbolize his struggle, saying that “a brown eye and a blue” symbolize “a thing that can’t be true.” This description serves to emphasize the confusion and frustration Terry is feeling.
Repetition
The fourth element of narrative poetry that is reflected in “The Thing About Terry” is repetition. Frost uses repetition throughout the poem to emphasize certain ideas. He repeats the phrase “the thing about Terry” at the beginning of each stanza, which serves to emphasize the central theme of the poem. He also repeats the phrase “tries to be two things at once” to illustrate Terry’s struggle to find his place in the world. This repetition helps the reader to better understand the confusion and frustration Terry is feeling.
In conclusion
the narrative poem “The Thing About Terry” by Robert Frost effectively uses imagery, personification, symbolism, and repetition to convey a story about a young man’s struggle with his identity. These four elements of narrative poetry are used to emphasize the confusion and frustration Terry is feeling, allowing the reader to empathize with him. Through these elements, Frost creates a vivid and powerful story that conveys a universal message about identity and belonging.
