Introduction to the Speaker
The speaker in poetry is the entity that delivers the poem’s words, not necessarily the author. It is the voice through which the poem speaks, shaping how readers interpret its meaning.
“The speaker is a character, an avatar of the poet’s thoughts.” – T.S. Eliot
Definition of “speaker” in poetry
- The person or persona who uses pronouns and perspective to convey ideas.
- Can be a real individual, a fictional figure, or an abstract concept.
Distinction between speaker and narrator
A speaker is the voice; a narrator is the storyteller who may describe events from outside the poem’s immediate perspective. The speaker often carries emotional weight, while the narrator provides context.
Types of Speakers
| Category | Characteristics | Examples |
| First‑person | Uses “I” or “we”; personal, intimate | “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” |
| Second‑person | Direct address to the reader; engaging | “You Are Not Alone” |
| Third‑person | Observational, detached | “Ode to a Nightingale” |
| Unidentified/Anonymous | No explicit pronoun; voice is implicit | “The Road Not Taken” |
| Multiple Speakers | Shifts between voices or perspectives | “The Waste Land” |
Perspective and Point of View
The speaker’s perspective determines how the poem is experienced.
Subjective vs. Objective
- subjective: The speaker’s personal bias colors interpretation.
- Objective: The speaker remains detached, presenting facts.
Temporal Perspective
Past, present, or future frames influence the poem’s urgency and relevance. For example, in “The Waste Land,” the speaker reflects on a post‑war past while anticipating an uncertain future.
Spatial Perspective
The setting—whether a bustling city or a quiet forest—shapes tone and mood. In “Ode to a Nightingale,” the speaker’s location in a pastoral landscape enhances tranquility.
Voice: Tone, Mood, and Attitude
These elements combine to create the poem’s emotional resonance.
Tone
- Sarcastic, solemn, hopeful, etc. The speaker’s choice of words conveys this quality.
Mood
The atmosphere created by language—e.g., a melancholy mood in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.”
Attitude
The speaker’s stance toward the subject or audience, such as skepticism in “You Are Not Alone.”
Diction and Language Choices
Word selection, sentence structure, and imagery shape how readers perceive the poem.
Lexical Choices
- Choosing “silence” over “quiet” adds weight to a moment of stillness.
Syntax
Short, abrupt sentences can create urgency; long, flowing lines may evoke calm.
Imagery
Visual, auditory, tactile language paints vivid scenes. In “The Road Not Taken,” the speaker’s imagery of diverging paths invites contemplation.
Stylistic Devices Affecting Voice
| Device | Effect on Speaker’s Voice |
| metaphor & Simile | Enhances emotional resonance. |
| alliteration & Assonance | Creates musicality and emphasis. |
| repetition | Reinforces key ideas or emotions. |
| enjambment | Makes the flow continuous, shifting focus. |
| Rhetorical Questions | Engages reader, prompts reflection. |
The Role of Context
Historical, cultural, and biographical factors influence how a speaker’s voice is shaped.
Historical & Cultural Background
- A poem written during the Civil Rights era may reflect collective struggle.
Biographical Influence
The author’s life experiences can inform the speaker’s perspective, as seen in Sylvia Plath’s “Daddy.”
Interplay Between Speaker and Reader
The dynamic between voice and audience determines how meaning is received.
Direct Address vs. Indirect
- Second‑person speakers directly involve the reader, creating intimacy.
- Third‑person speakers may distance the reader, offering a broader view.
Reader’s Interpretation
The speaker’s intent is filtered through individual perception, making each reading unique.
Analyzing a Poem: Step‑by‑Step Approach
- Identify the speaker’s pronoun(s).
- Determine perspective (subjective/objective, temporal/spatial).
- Examine tone, mood, attitude.
- Analyze diction and stylistic devices.
- Consider contextual influences.
- Reflect on reader interaction.
Common Misconceptions
- speaker = Author – Not always true; poems can have distinct voices.
- voice is static – It evolves throughout the poem, reflecting shifts in emotion or perspective.
Practical Applications
Understanding speaker voice empowers writers and critics alike.
Creative Writing
- Create distinct speaker voices to convey specific meanings.
- Use pronouns strategically to shift intimacy or distance.
Literary Criticism
- Evaluate how voice shapes thematic depth and reader engagement.
- Compare different speakers within a single poem for nuanced analysis.
By mastering the art of speaker in poetry, you unlock deeper layers of meaning and craft poems that resonate powerfully with readers. Whether you’re writing or reading, remember that the voice—its tone, mood, diction, and context—is the key to unlocking a poem’s true essence.