1. Symbolism: The higue tree symbolizes strength, resilience, and the cultural identity of the Dominican people.
2. Metaphor: The comparison of the higue tree to a "green cathedral" suggests its significance as a sacred space and a source of spiritual nourishment for the community.
3. Personification: The higue tree is given human qualities, such as "guarding" the community and "whispering" secrets, which personifies nature and imbues it with agency.
4. Imagery: Alvarez uses vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. Descriptions of the higue's "emerald canopy," the "fragrant blossoms," and the "sweet, musky scent" evoke the beauty and unique characteristics of the tree.
5. Alliteration: The repetition of the letter "h" in phrases like "Higue, hanging heavy," and "Holy hush" adds rhythm and emphasis to the text.
6. Parallelism: The use of parallel structures and repetitions, such as "In the Dominican Republic... where the higue hangs/And from the higue hangs," creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces the central themes of the poem.
7. Juxtaposition: The contrast between the lush, verdant imagery of the higue tree and the mentions of poverty and hardships in the Dominican Republic highlight the resilience of the people despite their struggles.
These literary devices contribute to the poem's rich imagery, symbolism, and exploration of Dominican cultural identity and heritage.