There has always been a strong contrast between male and female persons, especially in the past. The way males and females are perceived differ quite drastically. Dorothy Livesay's poem, "Bartok and the Geranium" uses poetic devices to reveal the characteristics of humans, portray the contrast of men and women, and show how it is possible for two complete opposites to live in harmony. Her writing creates vivid images for the reader, enhancing the poem and its meaning.
             The first stanza of the poem focuses on the geranium, the female force. Livesay uses verbs to describe the women. Her usage of soft sounds such as, "seeking", "accepts", and "extends" are both slow moving and presents a typical woman in society. This section of the poem seems to lack energy, similar to the way a woman in the 1950's was expected to act. The first line, "She lifts her green umbrellas" is a metaphor for leaves. These act like a women's canopy. Personification is everywhere, giving female characteristics to the flower. The flower, which is a delicate piece of nature, reflects the role of how women should act. Livesay uses alliteration for the last line of the first stanza, "her bustling boughs." This doesn't seem to impact the poem in any drastic way and seems to push the flower to the side.
             The second stanza has an immediate change of pace. A new energy takes over the power as the Bartok, "Explodes in space. This is a hyperbole and presents a strong image for the reader. Hard, harsh sounds like, "wrench", "speed", and "whirls" emphasizes the tone of frenzy that this new force projects. This is the male, he takes over, he's the overachiever who's "never content". This stanza makes the male seem anxious and very overpowering. He really dominates, disturbing the flower and nature. "Wr
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