Six

Introduction

Hello, poetry lovers! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into the beautifully complex world of Layli Long Soldier and her poem “Six” from her acclaimed book Whereas. Layli Long Soldier is a poet and writer of Oglala Lakota descent, whose work often explores themes surrounding identity, history, and reconciliation, especially within the context of Native American experiences.

“Six” is not just a poem; it’s an exploration of language and its impact on identity and culture. This piece stands out as part of Long Soldier’s broader work, which challenges and engages with both the personal and political aspects of being indigenous in the contemporary United States. The genre of this poem blends traditional poetry with innovative structural techniques, making it a fascinating

Meaning of Six

Opening Section “Six” begins with a powerful setting that introduces themes of communication and misunderstanding. The opening lines set the tone for a narrative that delves into the complexities of language, particularly between different cultures and perspectives.

Mid Section As the poem progresses, the middle sections build on the initial themes, introducing personal anecdotes and historical contexts. These parts often reflect on the poet’s experiences and challenges, providing a deeper insight into the emotional and cultural layers of the narrative.

Concluding Section In its conclusion, “Six” brings a reflective and sometimes unresolved feeling, mirroring the ongoing nature of the conversations it addresses. The final stanzas leave the reader with lingering thoughts about language, identity, and the spaces between them, encouraging a reevaluation of one’s understanding of communication.

Throughout “Six,” Layli Long Soldier uses her unique voice to weave together these themes, challenging the reader to think critically about the power of words and the meaning behind them.

In-depth Analysis

Stanza 1 —

• Technique: Here, Long Soldier might use repetition for emphasis and to establish rhythm.
• Syntax: The arrangement of words is typically straightforward yet impactful, setting the scene for deeper exploration.
• Diction: Every word is chosen to resonate with multiple layers of meaning, often playing with the connotations of language itself.
• Figurative Language: Metaphors and similes may be used to draw comparisons that enrich the text’s thematic depth.

Stanza 2 —

• Technique: Imagery could be prominent here, painting vivid pictures that enhance the poem’s themes.
• Syntax: Perhaps the structure becomes more complex, reflecting the complicated nature of the poem’s themes.
• Diction: The choice of words may shift to more emotionally charged or culturally specific terms.
• Figurative Language: Symbolism might be employed to subtly hint at historical or cultural references.

Stanza 3 —

• Technique: The use of irony or paradox could be evident, questioning or undermining previously established ideas.
• Syntax: The sentences may fragment, symbolizing breakdowns in communication or understanding.
• Diction: There might be a mix of personal and collective language, bridging individual and shared experiences.
• Figurative Language: Allusions to historical events or cultural practices could be key, deepening the reader’s engagement with the text.

Poetic Devices used in Six

Device	Example
Alliteration	“She sells sea-shells down by the sea-shore”
Assonance	“How now brown cow”
Consonance	“Litter batter litter”
Enjambment	“The forest of moving/Shadows”
Metaphor	“The world’s a stage”
Onomatopoeia	“Buzz, hiss, roar”
Personification	“The wind whispered through dry grass”
Simile	“As brave as a lion”
Synecdoche	“All hands on deck”
Metonymy	“The pen is mightier than the sword”

Six – FAQs

What themes are explored in ‘Six’ by Layli Long Soldier? The poem explores themes of identity, language, and cultural misunderstanding, often reflecting on the personal impact of these themes on the speaker’s life.

How does Layli Long Soldier use poetic devices in ‘Six’? Long Soldier employs a variety of poetic devices such as enjambment, metaphor, and imagery to enhance the poem’s emotional depth and thematic complexity.

What is the significance of the poem’s title, ‘Six’? The title could symbolize several things, including a significant moment or theme in the poem that revolves around the number six, or it might represent an abstract concept that the poem elucidates through its narrative.

Six Study Guide

Exercise

List all poetic devices used in the following verse from “Six”:

“Under the evening sun, the old oak whispered stories of old, as leaves danced to the ground.”

Answers

• Personification: “the old oak whispered stories of old”, “leaves danced”
• Imagery: Descriptions of the “evening sun,” “old oak,” and “leaves danced”
• Alliteration: “sun,” “stories,” “whispered”
• Symbolism: The “old oak” could symbolize strength, history, or resilience.

This detailed breakdown not only aids in a deeper understanding of “Six” but also enhances appreciation for Long Soldier’s craft as a poet.