How does William Wordsworth use language in The Affliction of Margaret?

Answer 1

The heartbreaking situation becomes more and more intense portrayed by the choice of language, for example, "incommunicable" (line 56). The tragedy deepens with this particular line reflecting the woman's pain at not being in contact with her son. It reaches a peak in the last powerful line - "I have no other earthly friend" (line 77). Her isolation is heavy as she thinks of her husband but, without her son, she has nobody. It is not known what has happened to her husband, but the choice of words, "earthly friend" may indicate that she is a widow. Although the language is not conversational but more descriptive, there are elements which make it seem as though it belongs on a letter, for example, she addresses the poem to her "beloved son". The language in the poem is simple, which suits its emotional directness. Technically, the rhythm is iambic tetrameter with simple eight syllable lines, and it follows an ABABCCC rhyme scheme - alternating rhyming of lines, followed by a triplet. Wordsworth avoids using 'special language', otherwise known as poetic diction which was a signature trait - "Wordsworth's chief interests were realism of speech and in matter, and moral edification...tried to keep to spoken English, a real language to describe real people..." (Basil Bunting). The main themes that run through 'The Affliction of Margaret' are death, loss, motherhood, mystery, loneliness and hope The imagery used by William Wordsworth in 'The Affliction of Margaret' is quite depressing. He uses many images of darkness, which leads the reader to link this with themes of death and evil. It has a very negative effect; "Was ever darkness like to this?" This imagery analyses the Mother's fears, she is worried about his whereabouts and what might have happened to him. This quote suggests that her fears are greater than darkness. This contrasts with the other poems 'Follower' and 'Catrin' as the imagery has a more positive effect. For example in Seamus Heaney's 'Follower'; "His shoulders globed like ...

Answer 2

In "The Affliction of Margaret," William Wordsworth uses language to convey the deep sense of grief and despair experienced by Margaret. He utilizes descriptive and emotive language to evoke strong emotions in the reader, effectively capturing the intensity of Margaret's sorrow and anguish. Wordsworth's use of poetic language helps to create a powerful and poignant portrayal of loss and suffering in the poem.