Assignment

Submitted to:
Ma’am Zunaira Qadeer
Submitted by:
Zaheer Abbas
Roll No:
F20NENLT1M01025
Semester:
8th (1M)
Subject:
Women’s writings
Date:
March 19, 2024

1- Literary Analysis of “This is a Photograph of Me”

Margaret Atwood's poem "This Is a Photograph of Me" is a haunting exploration of the

relationship between image, identity and memory. At first glance, the poem appears to be a
simple description of a photograph, but as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that the
photograph is a metaphor for the speaker's own sense of self.

The poem begins with a description of the photograph: "It was taken some time ago." This
line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the photograph captures a moment
from the past. The speaker then describes the photograph in detail, noting the "faint image" of
a girl standing by a lake, her features blurred and indistinct.
 As the poem progresses, the speaker reveals that the photograph is actually a picture of
herself. She describes how she can still remember the moment the photograph was taken, even
though the image itself is fading. This juxtaposition of memory and image underscores the
poem's central theme of identity and self-perception.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Atwood describes the girl
in the photograph as "grinning / and holding out a portion of lake." This image is both vivid and
surreal, suggesting a deeper meaning beneath the surface. The lake itself becomes a symbol of
reflection and introspection, mirroring the girl's own search for identity.

The poem's final lines reveal a startling twist: the girl in the photograph is actually dead,
drowned in the lake years ago. This revelation casts the entire poem in a new light,
transforming the photograph from a simple memento into a haunting reminder of loss and
mortality.

Overall, "This Is a Photograph of Me" is a powerful exploration of memory, identity, and

the ways in which we construct our sense of self. Atwood's skillful use of imagery and metaphor
creates a poem that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

2- Literary Devices analysis used in the poem “This is a photograph of Me”

Analysis of the literary devices in Margaret Atwood's poem "This Is a

Photograph of Me":

Imagery: Atwood's use of imagery helps to create a vivid picture of the photograph and its
setting. For example, she describes "the curve of the lake," "the bare arms of the trees," and
"the white and blue dress." These details not only help to establish the physical setting but also
create a sense of atmosphere and mood.

Metaphor: The central metaphor of the poem is the photograph itself, which represents the
speaker's own sense of self and memory. The photograph is described as "faint," with the girl's
features "blurred" and "indistinct." This can be seen as a metaphor for the way in which our
memories of the past can become faded and unclear over time.

Personification: Atwood personifies the lake, describing it as "remembering" the girl's image.
This personification suggests that the natural world has its own form of memory, perhaps
reflecting the idea that our surroundings can hold onto memories even when we cannot.

Symbolism: The photograph is a powerful symbol in the poem, representing not only the
physical image of the girl but also the passage of time and the idea of memory itself. The
photograph is described as "seeing through to the back," suggesting that it holds a deeper,
hidden meaning beyond its surface appearance.

Irony: The title of the poem, "This Is a Photograph of Me," is ironic given that the speaker is
initially invisible in the photograph. This irony underscores the theme of self-perception and the
idea that our understanding of ourselves can be complex and multifaceted.

Foreshadowing: The poem's final lines foreshadow the revelation that the girl in the
photograph is actually dead, adding a sense of mystery and foreboding to the poem. This
foreshadowing changes the reader's understanding of the preceding lines and adds depth to
the poem's exploration of memory and identity.

These literary devices work together to create a richly layered poem that explores themes of
memory, identity, and the passage of time. Atwood's use of imagery, metaphor,
personification, symbolism, irony, and foreshadowing helps to create a poem that is both
Sthought-provoking and emotionally resonant.