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:
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." Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TWO SPIRAL STAIRS WE CLIMB TO BED TOGETHER by PHILIP GROSS GLUTATHIONE CYCLE by MICHAEL LIEBERMAN ANDY-DIANA DNA LATTER by ANDREW WEIMAN WORDS IN A CERTAIN APPROPRIATE MODE by HAYDEN CARRUTH INVOCATION by LOUIS UNTERMEYER THE DISCOVERY; SONNET by JOHN COLLINGS SQUIRE SABBATH MORNING by L. DALE AHERN THE AUTHOR OF 'THE GREAT ILLUSION' by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN |
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