I.A. Richards Figurative Language

➡️  I.A. Richards Figurative Language : 

Hello learners. I am a student. This blog is part of classroom task assigned by Dilip sir. In this, I'll going to deal with poem 'The Three Oddest Words'.

click here (Teacher's blog) 

🔷 Poem: 

The Three Oddest Words

When I pronounce the word Future,

the first syllable already belongs to the past.

When I pronounce the word Silence,

I destroy it.

When I pronounce the word Nothing,

I make something no non-being can hold.

By Wislawa SzymborskaTranslated by S. Baranczak & C. Cavanagh

🔷 Poem explain: 

This poem by Wislawa Szymborska explores the paradoxical nature of language and meaning. Each line presents a word that seems straightforward but reveals deeper complexities upon reflection.

1. Future: The first syllable "fu-" is pronounced, but the concept of the future is always ahead of us. The idea here is that as soon as we articulate "future," we are already moving into the past because the act of speaking takes time.

2. Silence: When we say the word "silence," we are creating sound, which contradicts the very essence of silence. Thus, by uttering the word, we destroy the silence we are referring to.

3. Nothing: Saying the word "nothing" implies the existence of something to refer to, even though "nothing" suggests the absence of anything. Therefore, by pronouncing it, we create a concept or idea that can be held in thought, even if it refers to the absence of being.

Overall, the poem reflects on the limitations and contradictions inherent in language, showing how words can shape our understanding of time, existence, and concepts. It invites readers to ponder the deeper implications of what we communicate and how it influences our reality.

🔷 Understanding the Poem:

1. Language and Its Limitations:

 Szymborska reflects on how language can both convey and obscure meaning. Each word discussed—"future," "silence," and "nothing"—reveals the paradoxes and contradictions inherent in language. 

2. Time and Existence: 

The poem delves into the relationship between time and our perception of reality. The mention of "future" highlights the transient nature of time; once we articulate a future moment, it becomes part of our past. This suggests that our understanding of time is not linear but rather cyclical and intertwined.

3. Conceptual Paradoxes: 

The lines about "silence" and "nothing" illustrate how speaking about these concepts can negate their essence. Saying "silence" creates sound, thus destroying the silence itself. Similarly, articulating "nothing" gives it a form of existence, as it becomes something we can think about, even though it represents an absence.

🔷 Themes:

1. The Nature of Language: The poem explores how words can shape our understanding of reality. The speaker highlights the limitations of language in capturing the full essence of concepts.

2. Time and Memory: The theme of time is prevalent, particularly how the present moment is constantly evolving into the past. This reflects on human perception and the fleeting nature of existence.

3. Existence and Non-Existence: The poem grapples with the ideas of being and non-being, suggesting that even concepts of absence or nothingness can evoke thought and meaning.

🔷 Tone:

The tone of the poem is contemplative and philosophical. Szymborska employs a reflective voice that invites readers to ponder the complexities of language and existence. There is a sense of curiosity and wonder as the speaker examines these abstract concepts, encouraging readers to engage with the deeper implications of what it means to communicate and understand.

In summary, "The Three Oddest Words" is a thought-provoking poem that challenges readers to consider the paradoxes of language, the fluidity of time, and the nature of existence, all conveyed through a contemplative and philosophical tone.

Thank you.