Risk Analysis - Literary devices and Poetic devices

Risk

by Anais Nin

And then the day came,
when the risk
to remain tight
in a bud
was more painful
than the risk
it took
to blossom.

Summary of Risk

Popularity of “Risk”: Anais Nin, a French-born American writer and poet penned this short poem “Risk.” Published back in the 19th century, the poem revolves around the idea of taking risks in life. It uses the flower as a metaphor to showcase human emotions while making bold decisions. The poem earned glory because it helps us appreciate those who take risks in life.
“Risk” As a Representative of Choice: This short poem begins by comparing human beings to an embryonic flower shoot. This comparison is made to show that a bud seems less fragile as compared to flowers. A fully bloomed flower can be subjected to unpredictable dangers, but a bud is less delicate and much safer than a flower. However, the speaker says that a day comes when the risk of remaining tight in the bud becomes painful. To her, a fully blossomed flower is less painful than one in a bud. There can be many interpretations of this simple eight-lined poem. We all know that nature works on certain principles; it has ways of luring the spectacular. Unlike humans, objects in nature are also subjected to challenges. The speaker’s attempt to use flowers as metaphors shows the situation of human beings when they stand on the brink of taking risks in life. The description indicates that it can be challenging to make bold decisions.
Major Themes in “Risk”: Decision-making, risk, and change are the major themes of the poem. This short poem uses a garden metaphor to show how you feel a change after turmoil. Although little information is provided about what led the speaker to this change, the idea is sufficient to indicate the significance of the change. The change in the poem is treated as something to strive for. The speaker tries to establish that when we move toward conflicts, we must strive to become perfect. One should not submit oneself to depression in the face of trouble. Instead, he should bring possible changes in his life.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Risk

literary devices are tools that allow writers to choose their words to create style within meanings. In fact, with the help of these devices writers convey their ideas, feelings, and emotions to the readers. Anais, too, employed some literary devices in this poem. The analysis of some of the literary devices used in this poem has been discussed below.

Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /e/ in “And then the day came” and the sound of /o/ in “it took to blossom..”
Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line in quick successions, such as the sound of /th/ in “And then the day came.”
Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /t/ in “And then the day came,” and the sound of /n/ in “And then the day came,/when the risk.”
Enjambment: It is defined as a thought in verse that does not come to an end at a line break; rather, it rolls over to the next line. For example;

“And then the day came,
when the risk
to remain tight
in a bud
was more painful
than the risk
it took
to blossom.”

Irony: Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. The poem shows situational irony. The poet presents us with a thoughtful situation which sometimes it becomes difficult to make decisions.
Imagery: Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. Anais has used imagery in this poem, such as; “when the risk/ to remain tight/in a bud.”
Metaphor: It is a figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between objects that are different in nature. The poem shows acceptance as an extended metaphor in the poem to elaborate on how sometimes we fail to accept the challenges life throws our way.
Symbolism: Symbolism is using symbols to signify ideas and qualities, giving them symbolic meanings that are different from the literal meanings. The poem shows symbols, such as change, decision-making, and choice.

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Risk

Poetic and literary devices are the same, but a few are used only in poetry. Here is an analysis of some of the poetic devices used in this poem.

Diction: The poem shows descriptive, formal, and poetic diction.
Free Verse: Free verse is a type of poetry that does not contain patterns of rhyme or meter. This is a free verse poem with no strict rhyme or meter.
Stanza: A stanza is a poetic form of some lines. There are only eight lines in this poem with no stanza break.
Tone: It is the voice of the text. The poem shows an encouraging and reassuring tone.

Quotes to be Used

The following lines are useful to explore the choices life offers man to determine the course of his life.