Literary Analysis: The Rising of the Moon and The Sower

1. Theme of 'The Rising of the Moon'

The theme of The Rising of the Moon centers on Ireland's struggle for freedom from British rule. The play highlights themes of patriotism and unity among the people, while also reflecting the rich culture and traditions of Ireland.

2. Appreciation of 'The Sower'

About the Poem, Poet, and Title

The Sower depicts the hard work and persistence of a farmer who works tirelessly. The poet observes his actions and describes him as an august personality who labors not for himself, but for the benefit of others. Originally written by Victor Hugo in French, the poem was translated into English by the Bengali poet Toru Dutt, the first Indian poetess to write verses in both English and French. The title directly represents the central character of the poem.

Theme

The central idea revolves around the act of sowing seeds, leading the observer to revere the sower for his noble and selfless actions.

Poetic Devices, Language, and Style

The poem utilizes various literary devices, including:

• Alliteration
• Antithesis
• Consonance
• Hyperbole
• Inversion
• Personification
• Repetition
• Synecdoche

An example of Personification is: "Twilight hastens on to rule," where twilight is given the animate quality of rushing in. The language is sophisticated to maintain an abab rhyme scheme. It features a steady rhythm and consistent meter. The poet employs a narrative style, providing a first-person account of observing the sower in the field.

3. Character Analysis: The Sergeant

The Sergeant is a complex character defined by the following traits:

• He is a loyal police officer serving the British.
• He is not particularly sharp and is easily swayed by the man.
• He is a simple man with a loving family.
• Ultimately, he proves his deep love for Ireland.