Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Big Wind" is a poem by Theodore Roethke that was first published in 1948. The poem is notable for its powerful use of imagery and its evocative language, which captures the intensity of a storm and the forces of nature.

Roethke's language in the poem is vivid and sensory, using rich and evocative descriptions to create a sense of the storm's power and energy. He describes the wind as "the bellying sails of the clouds" and "a thousand miles of thunder," creating a sense of scale and magnitude that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

The poem's themes are also significant, exploring the relationship between human beings and the natural world. Roethke's language and imagery capture the sense of awe and wonder that humans feel in the face of nature's power, but also suggest the ways in which human beings are vulnerable and powerless in the face of such forces.

The poem's structure is also notable for its use of repetition and rhythm. Roethke repeats phrases such as "Big wind" and "The house quakes" throughout the poem, creating a sense of momentum and intensity that builds to a climactic conclusion. The use of repetition and rhythm also creates a sense of the storm's relentless power, which seems to be overwhelming and unstoppable.

Overall, "Big Wind" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the intensity of a storm and the forces of nature. Through its use of vivid imagery, rich language, and rhythmic structure, it explores the relationship between human beings and the natural world, and offers a meditation on the power and vulnerability of human existence in the face of nature's might.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...