1. Metaphor: The poem extensively uses metaphors to compare and symbolize different aspects. The poet compares the young women to "Virgin, virginal like milk,/or young sugarcane before it flowers,/white in their starched uniform" to suggest their purity, innocence, and potential. Other notable metaphors include "They are the still of morning", "they are the air's delight," and "the sea has no such white."
2. Personification: Walcott personifies natural elements, giving them human qualities. For example, the poem states, "The morning breaks like a wound across their face" personifying the morning as if it's something that injures or affects the women. This approach adds depth and emotion to the description.
3. Symbolism: Symbols play a vital role in the poem. The color "white" represents purity, goodness, and possibility, while the "virgins" symbolize potential, promise, and untapped talents. The reference to the "sugarcane" can symbolize life's sweetness, growth, and transition.
4. Imagery: Walcott weaves rich and vivid imagery throughout the poem. Descriptions like "green in the dew-light," "The trees are young like them, light," and "The sun burns its red ochre/ On the whitewashed school" transport the reader into the serene morning scene and create a visually impactful experience.
5. Alliteration: Walcott uses alliteration to enhance the musicality and rhythm of his lines. For instance," They are the air's delight/As they march on the light-footed road," where the repetition of the "l" sound adds emphasis and a harmonious effect to the line.
6. Enjambment: The poem frequently uses enjambment, running sentences from one line to the next without punctuation. This technique creates a fluid and continuous flow, giving the poem a conversational and unconstrained feel, reflecting the freedom and potential of the young women being described.
By skillfully employing these literary devices, Derek Walcott brings depth and richness to his poem "Virgin," effectively conveying the themes of innocence, potential, and the transformative power of education in shaping young lives.