Polanco's Use Of Metaphors In The Poem Identity

In the poem Identity, the author’s use of metaphors created the theme of individualism, meaning it’s better to be yourself than something you’re not. The narrator believes that all of society is the same, everyone acts the same and looks the same, but “[he’d] rather smell of musty, green stench than of sweet, fragrant lilac.” (Polanco, 19) if it meant he was himself and unlike the rest of society. Usually weeds are not known as good things, but in this case they stand out, but in a good way. When you’re a weed you grow and succeed without depending on others. Although flowers are pretty, they’re not unique or independent. They grow as clusters all identical to one another and depend on one another for success.
Another literary device that