Summary
The poem 'The Planners' by Boey Kim Cheng uses various linguistic devices to convey the relentless and mechanical nature of urban development.
- Anaphora — the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Example: 'They plan. They build.'
- Alliteration — the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. Example: 'permutations of possibilities.'
- Asyndeton — the omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence. Example: 'Anaesthesia, amnesia, hypnosis.'
- Personification — attributing human characteristics to non-human entities. Example: 'Even the sea draws back and the skies surrender.'
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
- Alliteration: Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of adjacent words.
- Asyndeton: Omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence.
- Personification: Giving human traits to non-human things.
Common Confusions
- Confusing anaphora with alliteration due to repetition.
- Misinterpreting asyndeton as a grammatical error rather than a stylistic choice.
Typical Exam Questions
- How does the poet use anaphora to emphasize the relentlessness of the planners? Anaphora highlights the repetitive and unstoppable nature of the planners' actions.
- What effect does alliteration have in the poem? It draws attention to specific phrases and enhances the imagery.
- How is personification used to convey conflict in the poem? It dramatizes the struggle between human development and nature.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of how linguistic devices contribute to the poem's themes.
- Ability to identify and analyze examples of anaphora, alliteration, asyndeton, and personification.
- Interpretation of the poem's commentary on urban development and its impact on nature.
