1. Repetition and Anaphora:
* Effectiveness: The repeated phrases like "I am a coolie mother," "I carry my children" and "I have been a coolie" emphasize the speaker's identity and the burden she carries. This repetition creates a sense of weariness and resignation, reflecting the harsh realities of her life. It also highlights the cyclical nature of her struggle, both as a coolie and as a mother.
* Example: "I am a coolie mother. I carry my children. I carry my children."
2. Simile:
* Effectiveness: The simile "I am a coolie mother, I am a coolie mother, I am a river strong, I am a mountain high" is particularly effective. It compares the mother's strength and resilience to natural forces, highlighting her ability to withstand hardship.
* Example: "I am a river strong, I am a mountain high."
3. Symbolism:
* Effectiveness: The poem utilizes powerful symbols, such as the "coolie" label and the "mountain" and "river." The "coolie" represents the marginalized and oppressed status of Chinese immigrants, while the "mountain" and "river" symbolize strength and endurance.
* Example: The "coolie" label acts as a symbol of the prejudice and exploitation faced by Chinese immigrants.
4. Personification:
* Effectiveness: Chin uses personification to give human qualities to the elements of nature. The "mountain" and "river" are depicted as strong and steadfast, just like the mother. This personification further reinforces the strength and resilience of the speaker.
* Example: "I am a river strong, I am a mountain high."
5. Contrast:
* Effectiveness: Chin uses contrast to highlight the disparity between the mother's inner strength and the hardships she faces. Phrases like "I am a coolie mother" and "I am a mountain high" create a stark contrast, showcasing the resilience of the mother despite the adversity.
* Example: The contrast between "I am a coolie mother" and "I am a mountain high" emphasizes the strength of the mother despite her marginalized status.
6. Imagery:
* Effectiveness: The poem uses strong visual imagery to paint a picture of the mother's life. The "river" symbolizes the relentless flow of time and the burdens she carries, while the "mountain" represents her unwavering strength and resilience. These images create a vivid and memorable portrait of the speaker.
* Example: "I am a river strong, I am a mountain high."
7. Tone:
* Effectiveness: The poem's tone shifts from mournful to defiant. The repetition and imagery create a sense of sorrow and hardship, but the final lines ("I am a coolie mother, I will not be defeated") convey a sense of defiance and hope. This shift in tone effectively captures the complex emotions of the speaker.
Overall Effectiveness:
The literary devices in "The Coolie Mother" work together to create a powerful and moving portrait of a Chinese immigrant mother. By combining repetition, simile, symbolism, personification, contrast, and imagery, Chin effectively conveys the speaker's resilience, strength, and the hardships she faces. The poem ultimately celebrates the enduring spirit of the "coolie mother" despite the challenges she confronts.