* Emphasis on the everyday and the ordinary: The poem focuses on a simple, commonplace object – a red wheelbarrow – rather than grand or heroic themes. This reflects Modernism's interest in finding beauty and meaning in the mundane aspects of life.
* Conciseness and directness: The poem is incredibly short, with only five lines, and uses simple, direct language. This reflects the Modernist rejection of excessive ornamentation and emotionalism in favor of clarity and precision.
* Imagery and sensory detail: The poem is rich in vivid imagery, focusing on the visual details of the red wheelbarrow, the rainwater, and the white chickens. This emphasis on sensory experience is a hallmark of Modernist poetry.
* Free verse form: The poem does not adhere to traditional rhyme or meter. This free verse form allows for a more natural and spontaneous expression, which was characteristic of Modernist writing.
* Focus on the concrete: The poem emphasizes the physical, tangible elements of the scene, rather than abstract concepts or emotions. This focus on the concrete is a key feature of Modernist poetry.
* Breaking with tradition: By presenting such a simple and seemingly unremarkable subject matter in a stripped-down form, Williams challenged traditional poetic conventions and brought a new sensibility to poetry.
In summary: "The Red Wheelbarrow" demonstrates the key features of Modernist poetry by its focus on the everyday, its conciseness, its vivid imagery, its free verse form, its emphasis on the concrete, and its willingness to break with tradition.