Literary devices are utilized in literature to convey an important message to the reader.
Literary devices reflect the author’s view on society and it provides a clear understanding of the poem. Anna Akhmatova, a Russian poet, grew up in an upper-class family in Odessa, Ukraine, where she became interested in writing poetry. Her writing focuses on the effect of Stalinism on Russians. Akhmatova desire was to be a strong voice in Russia. In her poems, she expresses her views on the issues that were present during her time period. Joseph Stalin altered the way of life of Russians. He claimed full authority and crushed the hopes of Russians. In the poem, “When in Suicidal Anguish” Akhmatova signifies the negative influence of Stalinism through…show more content… Stalinism had a negative outcome on Russian society. Akhmatova writes, “I will wash the blood from your hands.”(Akhmatova 13). Akhmatova is conveying that she would be the new voice for Russia. The blood symbolizes the deaths that Stalin was responsible for. He would kill anyone who came in his way. Akhmatova tried so hard to release her son from prison, her hopes died after each attempt failed. Stalin ruled with an iron fist, “in order to eliminate anyone who might oppose him.”(History 1) Clearly, anyone who opposes Stalin will be punished with death. Stalin’s secret police called the Cheka gained power and started a terror campaign against the people. The blood symbolizes the deaths he had caused in the war and the people who go against him due to his poor leadership. Stalin sent individuals to Gulag camps, where they suffered from starvation and work. The conditions in the labor camps were harsh. The labor camps mostly consisted of prisoners. Another line, “Root out the black shame from your heart.”(Akhmatova 14) This symbolizes the dark heart Stalin had for the Russians. He rules with terror making their lives more difficult. The government dominates the other individuals as a lower class. Akhmatova incorporates strong symbolism to represent Stalin’s brutal
