Part 1 In The Poem Where The Sidewalk Ends By Shel Silverste ✓ Solved
Part 1 In The Poem Where The Sidewalk Ends By Shel Silverstein See
PART 1: In the poem “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein, locate, number, and list twenty examples of different uses of language to create specific kinds of meanings and construct different patterns. These can be literal and figurative. Please be specific. There are many different kinds of meaning and language structures that produce these meanings, and we have practiced identifying a number of these in class. You may use any handouts and assignments from this class to help you.
However, if you simply copy and paste information directly from the Internet or any other source, you will regrettably receive a zero for the entire exam. Please do your own work; it is open-book, open-note after all. “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein
There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
In Shel Silverstein’s poem “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” the poet employs a variety of language techniques to construct vivid imagery, evoke emotions, and create a sense of escapism and wonder. One notable example is the use of imagery in the lines “And there the grass grows soft and white” and “And there the sun burns crimson bright.” These descriptive phrases conjure visual images that help readers envision a magical, idyllic place beyond the ordinary cityscape. The color choices—“white” grass and “crimson” sun—serve to heighten the surreal and fantastical quality of this place, appealing to the reader’s visual senses and imagination.
Another example is the use of metaphor in “the moon-bird rests from his flight,” which personifies the moon-bird, attributing it with human-like qualities of resting, thereby deepening the mystical tone of the poem. This metaphor not only creates a peaceful, calming image but also symbolizes a pause or respite in a journey, reinforcing the theme of retreating from the chaos of city life into a peaceful, natural world.
The poem also employs repetition effectively, particularly with the phrase “where the sidewalk ends,” which emphasizes the boundary between the mundane and the magical, encouraging the reader to imagine crossing into a fantastical realm. This repetition generates a rhythmic pattern that reinforces the idea of a journey or passage from one state of being to another.
Furthermore, Silverstein’s use of diction contributes to the playful tone of the poem. Words like “crimson,” “white,” “peppermint,” “black,” and “measured” evoke sensory experiences—visual, taste, and touch—making the poem inviting and engaging. The phrase “the moon-bird rests from his flight,” also employs alliteration with the repetition of the “r” sound, adding musicality and memorability to the line.
The poem’s use of contrast between the “dark street” and the “measured and slow” walk into the special place highlights the transition from a chaotic, perhaps threatening environment to a peaceful and safe one. This dichotomy enhances the reader’s understanding of the poem’s message about seeking refuge or comfort in imagination and nature.
Silverstein’s symbolism of the “chalk-white arrows” guiding to the “place where the sidewalk ends” can be interpreted as children’s innocence and their innate ability to navigate toward wonder and discovery. The arrows serve as guiding symbols, suggesting that the journey to this magical place is guided by imagination and curiosity, especially important in childhood development.
In sum, Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends” employs an array of language techniques—including imagery, metaphor, repetition, diction, contrast, symbolism, and alliteration—to construct a layered and enchanting depiction of escape from reality into a realm of innocence, imagination, and natural beauty. These techniques work together to create a rich tapestry of meaning that resonates with both children and adults, emphasizing the importance of nurturing creativity and wonder.