Exploration Of Poetic Technique In 'HuntIng Snake' By Judith Wright

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Exploration Of Poetic Technique In 'HuntIng Snake' By Judith Wright Discuss ‘Hunting Snake’ in detail commenting on the ways in which the poet presents the hunting snake.Sun-warmed in this late seasons graceunder the autumn’s gentlest skywe walked on, and froze half-through a pace.The great black snake went reeling by.Head-down, tongue flickering on the trailhe quested through the parting grass;sun glazed his curves of diamond scale,and we lost breath to watch him pass. What track he followed, what small foodfled living from his fierce intent,we scarcely thought; still as we stoodour eyes went with him as he went. Cold, dark and splendid he was goneinto the grass that hid his prey.We took a deeper breath of day,looked at each other, and went on. Judith Wright presents “Hunting Snake” in a simple manner, one that corresponds to the content of the poem. The simplicity of style employed is similar to the simplicity of the moment narrated. The snake itself, despite being widely regarded as deadly and venomous, is portrayed simply in the poem- straight, of one soled colour and moving in one direction. Throughout the poem, a contrast is set up between the stillness of the onlookers and the movement of the snake. This contrast seems to be the reciprocal of most notions held today, for it is mankind that has the power to act, while nature stands still, subservient. The poet intends for a feeling of confusion to arise in the reader, one that is created by the emergence of two powerful emotions in the scene that unfolds- fear and awe. These feelings contradict each other and in so doing surprise both the speaker and reader and contribute to the trance that washes over the moment. The focus then shifts from the moment experienced to the expression of feelings. A realistic moment is depicted; one that stirs the reader- the emotions stirred then become the prime focus of the poem.An interesting atmosphere is created by the poet’s choice of
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words. Opening with a perfect picture “Hunting Snake” initially implies no emergence of a snake. A setting that is ‘sun-warmed’ and peaceful is painted- the sudden streak of black on what is otherwise an orange, yellow and gold canvas is indeed shocking. The use of the word ‘black’ does contrast with the preceding colour scheme and helps to indicate danger and threat. However, the first two lines with words like ‘warmed’ and ‘gentlest’ help to balance the upheaval of shock. The reader infers, despite the shock, that the snake is part of the natural beauty described. This introduction kills the ...

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Some excellent detailed analysis explored in this essay, demonstrating a very close reading and genuine enjoyment in exploring the poem. Textual evidence is used frequently and ideas are developed and original. There are a few points which could improve the essay: 1) The introduction needs to be more concise (see points on essay). 2) Some re-structuring of the essay would result in a more coherent piece overall. Clear topic sentences need to sign-post what will be explored in that point. 3) The writer needs to recognise that their reading of the poem is only one interpretation. Using phrases such as: 'It could be argued that/may suggest that/might imply that', take into account the multiple readings of a text. 4) Distinction needs to be made between poet and narrator. 5) Although not always relevant, contextual references can offer insights into the poem. It might be relevant to comment that Wright was an Australian environmentalist and social activist, with a keen interest in conservation. Overall, a very good essay and enjoyable to read. Four stars ****