Analysis of Stylistic Devices in Umar Abubakar Sidi’s The Poet of Dust

Abstract

This paper is an analysis of stylistic devices in Umar Abubakar Sidi's poetry collection, The Poet of Dust, with the aim of unraveling its intricate layers and exploring its contributions to contemporary Nigerian poetry. The objectives of the study include to examine the lexico-semantic stylistic choices employed by the poet, in order to shed light on their roles in constructing the enigmatic themes and evoking a range of poignant reader emotions; to explore the syntactic stylistic structures utilised by Sidi so as to uncover how his nuanced syntax amplifies the collection's mystic allure and creates a distinctive and engaging poetic experience; and to investigate the use of various rhetorical stylistic devices with the goal of elucidating their significant roles in reinforcing the collection's core mystical motifs and enriching the overall artistic vision. By employing a qualitative research design, the study undertakes meticulous text analysis, drawing upon Schema Theory and Leech and Short's Stylistic Analysis Framework as the theoretical base for examining the complex interplay of stylistic elements within the poetry collection. The study found that the poet employs a diverse range of stylistic features to convey mystical experiences and spiritual insights delving into the transient nature of life and the enigmatic essence of existence. Through an intricate interplay of lexico-semantic stylistic devices such as metaphor, simile, and alliteration; syntactic stylistic devices including enjambment and parallelism; and rhetorical stylistic techniques such as hyperbole, allusion, anaphora, and zeugma, the poet crafts a captivating narrative that leads readers towards profound encounters with the mystical dimensions of human existence, creating a bridge between the earthly and divine realms, and also enhancing persuasion and emotional resonance within the text. The study concludes that the effective utilisation of lexico-semantic stylistic devices, syntactic stylistic elements, and rhetorical stylistic devices within the poetry illuminates its mystic essence, inviting readers to contemplate the profound insights embedded within the transient nature of human existence, underscoring the poet's ability to intertwine figurative language with thematic depth, thus emphasising the transformative power of poetic expression.