Index IntroductionDepiction of the theme of impermanence in poemsConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionThe concept of impermanence is a familiar theme in the realm of human existence. All living beings undergo processes of aging and ultimately death, and even the material goods that humanity employs to improve life inevitably deteriorate. It is no wonder that poetry often delves into this topic, as poetry serves as an artistic medium to capture the essence of life and its transitory nature. In particular, works such as Percy Shelley's "Ozymandias" and Robert Frost's "Nothing Gold Can Stay" skillfully convey the idea of ​​impermanence through the skillful use of rhyme, metaphor, and alliteration. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Depicting the Theme of Impermanence in Poems Alliteration, a poetic device that employs the repetition of consonant sounds, is often exploited to infuse poetry with musicality. Shelley's introspective sonnet uses alliteration not only to enhance the aural quality of the verse but also to instill a sense of sturdiness in the imposing statue of Ozymandias. The poem forces the reader to speak the line: “Two vast, trunkless legs of stone stand in the desert,” emphasizing the consonants “s” and “l.” They are soft sounds that, if pronounced without emphasis, can blend indistinctly. By requiring the reader to articulate them deliberately, the poem elicits a pronounced effect. Furthermore, Shelley describes the statue's face as having "cold command", using the hard consonant "c" to evoke images reminiscent of stone. This strategic use of alliteration highlights Ozymandias' strength and serves as a striking juxtaposition against the poem's eventual revelation of the impermanence of even the most powerful. In “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” Frost employs alliteration to bring fluidity to his verse. The poem begins with harsh consonants in the opening line, "Green is gold," then gradually transitions to softer consonants, as evidenced in lines such as "Her shade harder to hold" and "So Eden sank... ,” before returning to a stronger consonant with “The dawn sets on the day.” This change in alliteration mirrors the changing states of nature's foliage, evoking a powerful sense of the transitory nature of all life. Both poets also use metaphor to illustrate the impermanence of existence. Frost uses nature as a metaphor, describing the foliage of leaves and stating that "the first green is gold." He goes on to define green as nature's "hardest shade to maintain." In these lines, Frost masterfully introduces the concept of the fleeting nature of life, a theme that resonates universally with individuals. However, the poem does not limit itself to comparing life only to nature. Frost introduces a subtle biblical reference with the phrase "So Eden sank in sorrow." Eden, in this context, serves as a powerful metaphor for the ephemeral quality of life. It recalls the spiritual and immaterial aspects of existence. In the Torah, Eden represents an idyllic world from which humanity was banished after eating from the tree of knowledge. For many, Eden symbolizes a perfect kingdom that has deteriorated into a less desirable state, a state that humanity aspires to restore. Frost skillfully uses this reference to strengthen his argument, reminding readers that even sacred symbols of human perfection are depicted as transitory and susceptible to change. Shelley, despite being the more romantic of the two poets, uses a direct metaphor and:10.1080/00144940.1986.9933497