Essay Questions

What is unique about Gertrude Stein’s poems in the book ‘Tender Buttons’?

The poems' analysis reveals that Stein heavily relies on anthropomorphism and fascination to put across her points. The personification of objects is prevalent throughout the book, in which ideas and things have been given human abilities to symbolize the author's life experiences. Similarly, Stein uses objects to embody the people in her life and their contributions. Consequently, the reader conceptualizes Stain's ability to employ artistic imagination in her literary work.

How do illogicality and connotation emerge as the central issue under discussion in the poems?

Stein is indirectly interested in uncovering the impending implications of life experiences by examining the meaning of life. Through her artistic imagination and poetic work, Stein is transforming the meaningless of life into meaningful experiences. Additionally, Stein uses her personal experiences to write educative and encouraging messages that give hope to her readers. Therefore, Stein's main intention is to inspire and give hope using her limitations and strengths.

How does Stein pass the power of imagination to her readers?

Stein has deliberately employed imagery in her poetic work, and she requires her readers to analyze her work to see what she is saying. The author's message is tortuous, and this forces the reader to imagine in some instances to keep pace with the book. For example, the author talks of the titular salad and the cake, but she only describes it. Therefore, one imagines how the titular salad looks like, and this depicts the imagery of sight to readers.