Comparison: Tolson explicitly compares the two great dogs to boxers in a bloody contest, with "gloves of hate and claws of greed." This imagery conveys the intensity and brutality of their fight.
Contrast: In contrast to the great dogs, Tolson portrays the small dog as a mere spectator, "too little and too late." This contrast highlights the disparity in power between the great dogs and the small dog.
Personification: Tolson personifies the small dog by attributing human emotions and actions to it. He describes the small dog as "wary," "eager," and "wise." This personification allows readers to empathize with the small dog and its struggle for survival.
Symbolism: The bone itself is a powerful symbol in the poem. It represents the prize or reward that the small dog ultimately obtains, even though it had no direct involvement in the fight between the great dogs. This symbolism reinforces the idea that sometimes the weak and insignificant can gain from the conflicts of the powerful.
Repetition: Tolson repeats the line, "When great dogs fight, the little gets a bone," throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the central theme of the poem and ensures that readers remember the main message.
By employing these literary devices, Tolson successfully illustrates the truth of the idea that when powerful forces are in conflict, the weak and vulnerable can sometimes benefit. The small dog in the poem, though insignificant compared to the great dogs, ultimately gains the bone, symbolizing the rewards that can be obtained in unexpected circumstances.