Question

Open Response

Not Waving but Drowning by Stevie Smith

Nobody heard him, the dead man,
But still he lay moaning:
I was much further out than you thought
And not waving but drowning.

Poor chap, he always loved larking
And now he's dead
It must have been too cold for him his heart gave way,
They said.

Oh, no no no, it was too cold always
(Still the dead one lay moaning)
I was much too far out all my life
And not waving but drowning.


Question 15
Read the poem above, and answer the following in a well-written open response:

What is a literary device that Stevie Smith uses in the poem "Not Waving but Drowning?" Please identify the literary device used, identify where it appears in the poem, and explain HOW the use of the literary device adds to the overall theme/meaning of the poem.

/1 Identifying a literary device used in the poem

/1 Identifying where in the poem the literary device is used

/2 Explaining how the literary device affects the poems meaning/theme

/1 Proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.

(5 points)

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

One literary device that Stevie Smith uses in the poem "Not Waving but Drowning" is irony. The irony in the poem is evident in the juxtaposition between the literal act of waving and the figurative meaning of drowning. The speaker is not actually waving but drowning, and this contradiction between appearance and reality creates a sense of irony.

The use of irony can be seen throughout the poem, but is most prominent in the lines: "I was much further out than you thought / And not waving but drowning." Here, the speaker is emphasizing the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of his situation by others. While they may have thought he was simply waving, he was actually struggling and drowning.

This use of irony adds depth to the overall theme of the poem, which centers around the idea of isolation and miscommunication. By highlighting the disconnect between the speaker's outward actions and inner struggle, the poem underscores the theme of loneliness and the inability to truly understand or connect with others. The irony serves to emphasize the tragic nature of the speaker's situation, as he is ultimately misunderstood and overlooked, even in his darkest moments.

In conclusion, the use of irony in "Not Waving but Drowning" enhances the poem's theme of isolation and miscommunication by drawing attention to the stark contrast between appearance and reality. Through the use of this literary device, Stevie Smith effectively conveys the poignant message of the poem.