Introduction
The poem “The Rose That Grew from Concrete” is written by the famous rapper, poet, and activist, Tupac Shakur. The poem located in his posthumous collection bearing the same title, is a clear indication of Shakur’s knowledge of the world and people’s fight.
This particular poem was written during the poet’s youth, which touches on the several key points that are associated with the idea of personal development and overcoming obstacles present in life. The use of evocative imagery and emotional depth reflects his literary talent. This transcends the recognition of the poet as a rapper and set his place as an poignant poet.
Major Theme of “The Rose That Grew from Concrete”
The major theme of “The Rose That Grew from Concrete” is to remain strong and to overcome whatever hurdles are in the way. The poem is a very simple but touching story of a rose growing up from a crack on the concrete which has a deep analogy of how a person can rise up from the adverse conditions of life.
This metaphor is also applied to people’s life, and its primary focus is on the power, elegance, and endurance of the people who struggle and stand up for themselves. Through the poem, readers can easily get inspired and remain hopeful and determined as it focuses on encouraging oneself.
Literary Devices in “The Rose that grew from concrete”
1- Metaphor
“Did you hear about the rose that grew
from a crack in the concrete?”
The rose is a metaphor of a person who overcomes the complications of the life. As the rose does not grow from the hard concrete, in the same way, the people who triumphs, shows strength and resilience to face the harsh realities of the life.
The use of metaphor shows that how strong and beautiful things could grow in the most unlikely and painful conditions. The writer by comparing a person to a rose expresses that the people should realize their inner potential to succeed in life, regardless of the difficulties. This is the overarching mechanism of the poem as it connects the rose, a part of nature, to people’s hardships and successes.
2- Symbolism
“Proving nature’s laws is wrong it
learned to walk with out having feet.”
The rose refers to the hero’s spirit which is able to overcome all the obstacles and become successful. In this line, “learning to walk with out having feet” is a metaphor for coming out victorious even when one does not have the basic tools or backing.
The symbolism extends to the concept of natural laws implying that it is possible to overcome the predetermined limitations. Such an aspect of symbolism helps to draw readers’ attention to the fact that they should not let themselves be limited by circumstances and should try to be successful no matter what obstacles they have to be faced.
3- Personification
“Funny it seems, but by keeping its dreams,
it learned to breathe fresh air.”
This literary device assists in giving a more realistic scenario about the rose’s early suffering and the final victory. The writer gives human characteristics to the rose in order to tell the struggle of the rose in a rather more touching manner.
This personification highlights dreams and will to realize them, which reiterates the poem’s theme of perseverance and easily captures the reader’s essence. The story indicates that determination and hope pave the way to liberty and development.
4- Imagery
“Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else ever cared.”
The imagery is used to form a picture of rose growing in an unlikely place, which reflects its struggle and success. This line draws a picture of a rose growing in the midst of concrete and portrays how the soft flower can grow in the harsh environment.
The main theme narrated by the growth of the rose under the negligence of the person reflects the message of hope and beauty of determination. Thus, the imagery of the rose used in the poem deepens the story and encourages the reader to not only hear but also to see and feel the hardship, the victory.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in “The Rose that grew from concrete”
The poem is a powerful and vivid piece of work. It contains numerous poetic devices, which convey the themes of determination, beauty, and resistance.
1- Metaphor
The metaphor of the poem is a rose growing from concrete. This metaphor describes a person who has transitioned through a troubling and seemingly impossible path to one of a resolution, victory or personal development.
That is why the rose, as the embodiment of beauty and life, is opposed to the concrete as signs of severe, inflexible conditions. This metaphor explains the theme of determination and the beauty of overcoming the harsh circumstances.
2- Personification
Shakur directly refers to the rose and uses literary attributes that are associated with a human being. Saying like “learned to walk without having feet’ personifies the rose, making it go through a struggle and eventually come up with the determination of walking.
This process of personification gives readers to understand the journey of the rose and sympathize its struggle.
3- Imagery
The use of figurative language is strong, as the poet wants to depict the process through which the rose transforms into a beautiful object.
The concrete is associated with the industrial growth of the cities, rough and even cruel in some aspects to make roses – symbol of nature, tenderness, beauty and gentleness. This contrast emphasizes the difference between harsh surroundings and the exquisite life growing there.
4- Symbolism
The rose reveals those who can cope with complicated conditions and whose disease is not deadly for them. Concrete represents the hitches and the raw deal that life throws at people especially those from the black areas of the society.
This symbolizes hope, righteous endurance and victory of the human body over the harshest conditions of the concrete environment – thereby claiming victory over the odds.
5- Alliteration
Alliteration is employed to give the poem music and to ensure that when certain words are said they carry more impact.
For instance, the rhymed words ‘rose,’ ‘that’ and ‘grew’ and the repetition of the letter ‘r’ makes the readers focus on the rose metaphor and the rhythm of the poem.
6. Tone
The tone of the poem has a touch of remorsefulness and at the same time it motivates the people. Through the speaker, Shakur makes a connection with the recipients of fate pointing to the reality of the rose’s existence similar to their own miracles.
This helps to convince the readers that there is some good in suffering, and anybody can realize his potential for success and growth.
7. Theme
The major theme of the poem is determination. It is evident that Shakur is dealing with issues of how beauty and strength comes out in situations that are hard and impossible.
This theme is very general and can be applied to anyone and any period in history, which is magnificent about these two characters and their ability to stand and overcome the adversity.
8- Structure
The poem is simple and to the point with concise verses that are very vehement in their message.
This is characteristic to the structure of the poem which is straightforward and at the same time having profound meaning.
Short Summary of “The Rose that grew from concrete”
“The Rose That Grew from Concrete” is a poem by Tupac Shakur in which a rose finds a way to grow from a crack in the concrete and prosper, this is a tale of strength and success over oppression.
The rose reflects individuals who struggle through adversity, triumph over adversity, and rise above society’s expectations.
The poem focuses on the themes of overcoming the adversity, optimism, and the attractiveness of spirit, which should inspire people to trust in themselves and their ability to succeed in any conditions.
In a very elaborate way, Tupac is able to paint a picture and use words that are inspiring to the heart and the spirit.
See also: Literary Devices in Mending Wall
