Root By Terrance Hayes Analysis

Introduction

Terrance Hayes is a renowned American poet who has won several awards for his contributions to the world of poetry. One of his most famous poems is “Root,” which was published in his book “American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin.” In this article, we will analyze the poem “Root” by Terrance Hayes and explore its various themes and literary devices.

Summary of the Poem

“Root” is a sonnet that explores the themes of identity, ancestry, and history. The poem begins with the speaker stating that he is “made of memories,” which suggests that his identity is shaped by his past experiences and the people who came before him. The speaker then goes on to describe his ancestors, who were slaves that were brought to America from Africa. He talks about their struggles and how they tried to hold onto their culture and identity despite being forced to assimilate into a new culture.

Analysis of Themes

Identity

The theme of identity is central to the poem “Root.” The speaker is trying to understand who he is and where he comes from by exploring his ancestry. He wants to know more about his roots so that he can better understand himself. This is a common theme in African American literature, where writers often explore their identity through their history and culture.

Ancestry

The poem also explores the theme of ancestry. The speaker is trying to connect with his ancestors and understand their struggles. He recognizes that his identity is shaped by his ancestry and that he cannot fully understand himself without understanding his past.

History

The theme of history is also present in the poem. The speaker is trying to understand his place in history by exploring his ancestry. He recognizes that his ancestors were slaves and that their struggles are a part of American history. By exploring his past, the speaker is able to better understand the present.

Analysis of Literary Devices

Metaphor

The poem “Root” is full of metaphors. For example, the speaker compares himself to a tree that is rooted in the ground. This metaphor suggests that the speaker’s identity is grounded in his past and that he cannot grow without understanding where he comes from.

Imagery

The poem also uses imagery to convey its themes. For example, the speaker describes his ancestors as “a chain that won’t break.” This imagery suggests that his ancestors were strong and resilient despite their struggles.

Rhyme Scheme

“Root” is a sonnet, which means that it follows a specific rhyme scheme. The poem follows the traditional ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. This rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of structure and helps to emphasize its themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Root” by Terrance Hayes is a powerful poem that explores the themes of identity, ancestry, and history. The poem uses metaphors, imagery, and a specific rhyme scheme to convey its message. Through the poem, the speaker is able to connect with his past and better understand himself. “Root” is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to help us explore our identity and our place in the world.