The Power of Poetic Turning Points: Deconstructing Prageeta Sharma’s “Onement Won“
have you ever felt a shift within yourself, a subtle yet profound change in perspective? this internal transformation, often elusive and arduous to articulate, is a central theme explored in contemporary poetry. The work of Prageeta Sharma, particularly her recent collection Onement Won, delves into this very concept. This article will unpack the nuances of poetic turn, examining how Sharma utilizes language and imagery to capture the moment of internal change, and what this means for both the poet and the reader. We’ll explore the techniques she employs, the emotional weight she conveys, and the broader implications of seeking a “true alphabet” within the self.
understanding the Poetic Turn
The poetic turn, also known as the volta, is a crucial element in poetry. It represents a shift in thought, emotion, or perspective within a poem.traditionally found in sonnets, the turn has evolved into a more fluid and dynamic device used across various poetic forms. It’s not simply a change in subject matter, but a deeper re-evaluation of the poem’s core ideas.
Did You Know? The term “volta” originates from the italian word for “turn,” and was frist formally identified by Italian poet and theorist,Giacomo Leopardi,in the 19th century.
Deconstructing Sharma’s “Onement Won” Excerpt
Let’s examine the provided excerpt from Sharma’s poem. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of seeking – “talking my way back to the poem’s turn.” This isn’t a straightforward journey; it’s a process of retracing steps, of attempting to locate a pivotal moment that exists outside the physical self (“outside my skirted body”).
The imagery is striking. The “corded place where bluish sky paints my attention” suggests a connection to something vast and ethereal. This connection then “empties itself into a golden silence,” a paradoxical image that hints at a profound, wordless understanding. The speaker isn’t seeking answers through language, but beyond it.
Pro Tip: When analyzing poetry, pay close attention to the use of color and sensory details. These elements often carry symbolic weight and contribute to the poem’s overall meaning.
The Struggle with Language & the “True Alphabet”
The poem acknowledges the inherent limitations of language. Phrases feel “perversely sentient and yet devilishly wrong.” This suggests a frustration with the inadequacy of words to capture the complexity of inner experiance.the desire for “speech itself will burn me / its one true alphabet” is a powerful metaphor. It’s a yearning for a language that is authentic, transformative, and capable of expressing the inexpressible.
This pursuit of a “true alphabet” isn’t about finding new words, but about stripping away the layers of convention and artifice to reveal a more fundamental form of dialog. It’s a quest for a language rooted in feeling, intuition, and direct experience.
The Plateau of Nested Changes
The poem concludes with a vision of a “plateau of nested changes.” This image suggests a state of ongoing transformation, where change isn’t a singular event, but a continuous process. The “letters of gold,maybe anew” represent the potential for renewal and the possibility of finding that elusive “true alphabet.” The “maybe” acknowledges the uncertainty inherent in this journey, but also hints at the hope that it is attainable.
Beyond the Excerpt: Sharma’s Broader Themes
Sharma’s Onement won consistently explores themes of self-finding, the complexities of identity, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. Her work often blends personal experience with philosophical inquiry, creating a deeply resonant and intellectually stimulating reading experience. Recent critical analyses (e.g.,The Poetry Foundation’s review of Onement Won,published November 2023) highlight sharma’s masterful use of fragmentation and her ability to create a sense of emotional vulnerability.
| Poetic Device | Sharma’s Use in Excerpt | Effect |
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