3-pronged thesis: In “Introduction to Poetry,” Billy Collins uses personification,
metaphors, and first-person point of view to address the way that readers often
mistreat a poem.
Device
How it’s used in this poem How does this device contribute to
the overall meaning of the poem?
Personification
“waving at the author’s
name on the shore” (11)
It makes the poem seem more
lifelike and exciting.
“torture a confession out
of it” (13)
By humanizing the poem, it makes
us feel more sympathetic toward
its treatment.
Metaphor
“drop a mouse into a
poem and watch him
probe his way out” (5-6)
By comparing a poem to maze,
Collins emphasizes how complex
and incredible a poem is.
First-Person
p.o.v.
“I ask them” (1)
“I say” (5)
“I want them” (9)
Creates a more conversational
mood between the speaker and
reader.
Emphasizes the speaker’s personal
passion and awe for poetry.
Creates an “us vs. them” vibe when
we hear how “they” want to
torture a poem. (The audience
sides with the speaker at that
point.)