An Analysis of the Use of Personification and Imagery in the Essay, Hands by Ted Kooser Essay

Analysis Essay Hands by Ted KooserTed Koosers essay, Hands, is a reflection upon how the authors own hands not only resemble that of his fathers but provide an emotional bridge between the pair. Through the use of personification and imagery to enhance parallel between the author and his father as well as an intimate tone the author is able to clearly express the influence his father had upon his life.To enhance his argument Kooser uses personification to give his hands more humanely qualities. In doing so he looks to associate his own hands with actions of his father, creating a parallel between the two. In lines 2-3 he states, the left and more awkward one lies curled in my lap while the right one massages the beard on my chin. Within this description he associates one hand with the human trait of being awkward and describes the other as giving him a massage. This subtle description looks to reveal some of the traits his own father possessed. One, which is described as awkward, while curled in his lap could describe his fathers sometimes reserved nature. As the awkward one lies hidden the other is massaging the authors beard. This could describe the fathers outgoing nature in certain situations. He continues this personification as the essay continues. In lines 18-19 the author says, they are firm, solid, masculine hands, and other men feel good about shaking them and then continues to say they provide, brotherly warmth. This description helps to describe his father as a respected man because of his sense of manliness. By adding brotherly warmth the author is also able to provide a softer side to contrast with the masculine descriptions he provided before. To further describe this parallel the author also uses imagery to enhance his claims. In order to further describe the authors connection to his father he uses imagery. In the first two lines he states, I have begun to see...