1. Personification: The poem personifies the house and nature to create a sense of consciousness and eerie presence. The house is described as "lone" and "hushed" while the trees "sigh" and the wind "moans."
2. Metaphors and Similes: The poem uses metaphors to compare the speaker to a "moth" and the listeners to "shadows," suggesting their elusive and intangible nature. Similes are used to compare the speaker's heart to a "drum" and the house's stillness to a "pool."
3. Repetition: De la Mare uses repetition of words and phrases throughout the poem to emphasize the persistent and haunting quality of the speaker's experience. The repetition of "listen," "stillness," and "waiting" creates a sense of anticipation and unease.
4. Imagery: The poem is filled with vivid imagery that evokes a sense of mystery and solitude. The description of the old house surrounded by trees, the moonbeam, and the nightingale's song create a distinct atmosphere.
5. Alliteration and Assonance: De la Mare uses alliteration (repetition of consonant sounds) and assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) to enhance the musicality and rhythm of the poem. For instance, the "s" sounds in "stillness," "silence," and "shadow" contribute to the poem's eerie atmosphere.
6. Enjambment: The use of enjambment (running sentences over multiple lines) creates a sense of continuous flow and urgency in the poem. This technique adds to the breathless and suspenseful tone of the speaker's narrative.
7. Contrast: The poem draws contrast between the speaker's presence in the old house and the silence of the listeners. The contrast between their world and his heightens the sense of mystery and detachment.
8. Symbolism: The poem uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings. The recurring motif of knocking and listening symbolizes the speaker's search for understanding and communication. The listeners could represent the elusive answers or the intangible essence of the past.
By skillfully employing these poetic devices, Walter de la Mare creates a haunting and atmospheric poem that explores themes of solitude, human connection, and the search for meaning in the mysteries of life.