Choices By Nikki Giovanni Analysis

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The poem 'Choices' by Nikki Giovanni is very beautifully written. The overall impact of the poem is that of reconciliation to whatever life offers. It seems there is only one choice and that is accepting one's fate. But at the end of the poem (line 30 – 32) there is a note of defiance in the cry of a human being. This is the only way a man differs from an animal. The poem presents a very poignant and reality of human lives. We too can identify ourselves with it. Each day, every moment, every time we have to make a decision we are at crossroads because social constraints weigh heavy upon our minds. The author uses symbolism to help us understand that at times you do not always have control of your destiny and you must follow the path life. The author says” since I cant go where I need to go then I must go where the signs point”(line 16-19) this means that since I can not go where I need to go then I must follow the path of life that has been laid out. At the end of the poem the author uses juxtaposition “but that’s why mankind alone among the animals learns to cry” (lines 29-31) this is making a comparison between humans and animals. Mankind, unlike animals is able to express his emotions through tears at realizing the…show more content…
“In fact he’s a homely little pale and headlong stumble” (lines 2-3) This use of imagery helps the reader get a vision of the physical appearance of the baby that’s running around in the plane. She also uses light to symbolize knowledge. “Its light he can’t investigate enough” (lines 19-20) the child wants to be more knowledgeable that’s why he cant get enough of it. When humans are children and they learn something for the first time it’s so amazing that they value it. The woman on the plane had a lot of things going on like daily life problems that she had forgotten how lucky she is to be able to have light and

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