Shel Silverstein

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Student Question

What literary device is used in Shel Silverstein's "Messy Room"?

Quick answer:

In Shel Silverstein's "Messy Room," several literary devices are used, including humor and irony. The poem employs a tone of childish, lighthearted humor typical of Silverstein's style. Imagery is also prominent, vividly describing the disorder of the room with terms like "mucky" and "damp," creating a swamp-like mess. The irony is evident at the end when the speaker, after questioning whose room it is, discovers it is actually his own, adding a comedic twist.

Expert Answers

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I'm not sure there is just one literary device at work here.  There are several poetic devices used.

Because it is Shel Silverstein (a children's poet) you should automatically look for the humor.  Nearly all of Silverstein's poetry is written with a tone of childish, lighthearted humor.  This poem is no different.

The poem, though short, is full of "messy room" imagery.  In fact, the room is described as "mucky" and "damp," and there is a "lizard" in the bed.  It is almost as if this room has turned into a swamp of mess.

The humor could actually be classified as irony at the end.  The speaker is quite descriptive about the state of the room, asking over and over whose room it is.  Ironically (but not unexpectedly), it turns out it is the speaker's room.  He has just given a rather embarrassing explanation of his own filth, which was at such a repulsive level that he apparently didn't even recognize his own room through it.

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