Study Notes
The poem 'The Man with Night Sweats' by Thom Gunn uses various linguistic devices to explore themes of health, illness, and vulnerability.
- Metaphor — a figure of speech where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. Example: 'I who / Prospered through dreams of heat' suggests thriving in dreams.
- Simile — a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'As if hands were enough / To hold an avalanche off' conveys the futility of resisting illness.
- Consonance — the recurrence of similar sounds, especially consonants, in close proximity. Example: 'flesh,' 'shield' and 'gashed,' 'healed' create a musical quality.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Metaphor: A figure of speech where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
- Simile: A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another using 'like' or 'as'.
- Consonance: The recurrence of similar sounds, especially consonants, in close proximity.
Common Confusions
- Confusing metaphor with simile; remember, similes use 'like' or 'as'.
- Overlooking the emotional impact of consonance in poetry.
Typical Exam Questions
- How does Gunn use metaphor in 'The Man with Night Sweats'? He uses metaphor to convey the speaker's experience of health and illness.
- What effect does consonance have in the poem? It creates a musical quality that underlines the speaker's emotions.
- How is simile used in the poem? It highlights the inevitability of the speaker's suffering.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of linguistic devices like metaphor, simile, and consonance.
- Ability to analyze how these devices contribute to the poem's themes.
- Interpretation of the emotional and thematic impact of the poem.