Essay turtle by kay ryan

Analysis of the “Turtle” by Kay Ryan. The poem “Turtle” by Kay Ryan reflects the feeling of the author about frustration and being thwarted - Analysis of the “Turtle” by Kay Ryan Essay introduction. Throughout the poem, Ryan ridiculed the turtle about its characteristics, depicting it as an unfortunate creation that is hardly lovable.

Personification occurs when a poet imbues a non-human creature or object with human characteristics. It can be seen through the poet’s choice to refer to the turtle as “she” and give “her” human characteristics. These include becoming frustrated, tired, acting practically, and being patient.

Kay Ryan praised the mockingbird in the poem of the same title. She began the poem by stating that “nothing whole is so bold” and “nothing not cracked is so exact and of a piece.” These tell what mockingbirds are: a bold creature that is more than the sum of its parts.

Her only “levity” is her patience. The word “levity” is related to “lightness” creating an interesting juxtaposition between the heaviness that the speaker previously asserted about the turtle’s existence and this final complementary line. She is usually clumsy and slow but her patience makes her lighter.