Burning the Old Year: Figurative Language Analysis

What type of figurative language is "so little is a stone"?

Answer:

The phrase "so little is a stone" in line 9 of the poem "Burning the Old Year" by Naomi Shihab Nye is an example of metaphor.

Metaphor is a type of figurative language in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. In this line, the word "stone" is being used as a metaphor to represent something small and insignificant. This metaphorical comparison adds depth and meaning to the poem.

By likening the small size of a stone to the significance of the old year being burned away, the poet suggests that even seemingly insignificant things can have profound implications. It conveys the idea that even something as tiny as a stone can have a substantial impact, highlighting the importance of small details in the larger context of life and the passage of time.

Metaphors like this one enrich the imagery and emotional resonance of the poem, inviting readers to reflect on the themes of transformation, change, and the passage of time.