Li Po Comentary

Chad Summers

Ms. Peifer

10 IB hr.5

4-20-09

In Li Po's "Written in Behalf of My Wife', he uses metaphors and similes, imagery, and mood to achieve his purpose. The authors purpose is to express his outstanding love for his wife and how he misses her.

Comparisons are used in this poem between animals and humans to express his emotion. The authors also uses inanimate objects to express feelings. "my thoughts that follow you in your wonderings are as interminable as the stream" (Po 3-4). This quote is a simile comparing his love for this woman to the stream. He is saying that his love can never be severed such as the stream.

 

Imagery is an important piece to this poem. it helps the reader imagine and relate to the poem by creating an image in the reader's mind. "the grass before our gate in the autumn lane has turned green in spring" (Po 5-6). This quote helps the reader to create images of the grass and spring and also keeps the reader engaged in the poem. 

Mood is another very important piece in the poem and helping the author achieving his purpose. The mood helps the reader feel the emotion given out by the poet. The author creates a very moody and sad atmosphere in this poem. Its a very sentimental and lethargic poem. "I cry for the absence of my beloved" (Po 23). This statement describes the mood of the poem.

All these elements come together to deliver the authors purpose. the literary devices help to express the authors love for his wife in an interesting and enjoyable way.