METAPHORS AND SYMBOLIC EXPRESSIONS IN CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH POETRY

Abstract

Contemporary English poetry has undergone a remarkable transformation in both style and subject matter. While free verse and postmodern experimentation dominate much of the landscape, one feature remains central: the use of metaphors and symbolic expressions. These devices are not merely ornamental; they are essential tools for articulating complex emotions, philosophical reflections, and cultural critiques. In a world shaped by rapid technological change, globalization, and shifting identities, poets rely on metaphors and symbols to capture the contradictions and struggles of human existence. This paper explores the role of metaphors and symbolic imagery in contemporary English poetry, with reference to several influential poets including Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney, Carol Ann Duffy, and Simon Armitage.