Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The DNA Molecule" is a poem written by May Swenson, an American poet who lived from 1913 to 1989. Swenson was known for her focus on the natural world and her unique use of language, which often played with the sounds of words The poem was first published in 1965 in the collection "Half Sun Half Sleep," which included many of Swenson's most celebrated poems.

Explanation:

The poem describes the structure and function of the DNA molecule, which carries genetic information in living organisms. Swenson uses vivid imagery to depict the molecule as a "twisted ladder" with "rungs" made of four different chemical bases, adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. The poem goes on to explain how the sequence of these bases determines the characteristics of an organism and how DNA is passed from generation to generation.

Essential Poetic Elements:

• Free verse structure
• Imagery and sensory language to describe the centaur's appearance and environment
• Metaphors and symbolism, such as the centaur representing the duality of human and animal nature
• Enjambment to create a fluid and continuous flow of the poem
• Repetition of the question "what am I?" to emphasize the theme of identity and self-discovery
• No specific rhyme scheme

Conclusion:

"The DNA Molecule" is a fascinating poem that uses poetic language to describe the complex scientific process of genetic inheritance. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, Swenson captures the wonder and beauty of this fundamental aspect of life. Overall, "The DNA Molecule" is a testament to Swenson's unique poetic voice and her ability to find inspiration in the natural world.

Poem Snippet::

"the double

spiral ladders of the DNA,

the long thin

legs of protein that walk

the helix, the chemical

alphabet spelled out

along the rungs."

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