In the poem “Safari Day in Kenya” by Robert L. Hinshaw, there are several examples of literary devices, including assonance. Assonance is a literary technique that involves the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words to create a pleasing or rhythmic effect. One line from the poem that contains an example of assonance is:
“The giraffes sway and play as we begin our day.”
In this line, the long “ay” sound is repeated in the words “sway,” “play,” and “day.” The repetition of this sound not only creates a pleasing rhythm but also helps to tie the words together thematically.
The poem “Safari Day in Kenya” is a vivid and descriptive account of a safari trip through the Kenyan wilderness. Throughout the poem, Hinshaw uses various literary devices to help convey the beauty and excitement of the experience.
In addition to assonance, Hinshaw uses other techniques such as alliteration, repetition, and imagery to create a rich and evocative portrait of the African landscape. The following lines illustrate some of these techniques:
“Zebras graze on the plain, stripes glistening in the sun, While herds of elephants wander at leisure, having fun. Antelope with their young prance and leap with grace, As lions nap lazily, each one in his own special place.”
In these lines, Hinshaw employs alliteration to emphasize certain words, such as “zebras,” “stripes,” and “sun.” He also uses repetition, specifically the repetition of the word “one” to create a sense of unity between the lions as they nap in their individual spots.
Throughout the poem, Hinshaw’s use of imagery helps to transport the reader to the African wilderness. He describes the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the landscape in great detail, creating a vivid sensory experience for the reader. The following lines are a good example of this:
“The scent of acacia blooms permeates the air, As we watch hippos wallow in the river without a care. Red-hot pokers and jacarandas add their brilliant hue, While a stately ostrich struts his stuff, so regal and true.”
In these lines, Hinshaw uses imagery to convey the smells of the acacia blooms and the sight of the hippos wallowing in the river. He also employs vivid descriptions of the colors of the flowers and trees, as well as the regal bearing of the ostrich.
In conclusion, Hinshaw’s poem “Safari Day in Kenya” is a masterful example of how literary devices can be used to create a rich and evocative portrayal of a particular experience or setting. Through the use of techniques such as assonance, alliteration, repetition, and imagery, Hinshaw brings the African landscape to life, transporting the reader to a world of natural beauty and wonder.
