In the poem "The Century Quilt" by Marilyn Nelson Waniek, Waniek outlines the meaning of her quilt using symbolism, tone, and structure. The descriptions in each of the quilt's squares share the connections between families and friends. He can convey the pride he feels in his rich heritage by using the images behind it. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Through the use of many colors, Waniek creates a clear image of his blanket. “Six dark-colored Van-Dyke squares, two white and one yellow square darker than the mother's cheeks.” These shades portray the blanket as well as the nuances of its experience. The blanket is used throughout the poem as an all-encompassing illustration to suggest the great pride he feels in his diverse family. He then proceeds to show what he would dream about while resting under it. She specifies her father's “scorched umber pride,” her mother's “ochre kindness,” and her grandfather's white family. This shows the variety of the author's past and how they wanted to come together out of love for each other. Waniek's diction has a comforting, nostalgic tone as she thinks back to Meema's blanket, wrapping herself in it and playing a princess. “I remembered how I arranged to acquire that sweep.” The past memories he includes at the beginning of his sonnet highlight the nostalgic appreciation of the Indian cover. At that point she compares him by saying that she has now found a blanket that she "would like to die" under. He shows the reader his past through his point of view. The reader can see the happiness she encountered while under the quilt of the century and the immensity those encounters have for her. From her memories to her fantasies about the future, she imagines the satisfaction her blanket will bring her. She dreams of things to come, like passing the blanket to her unconceived baby who she says she might meet while dreaming under the blanket. The structure of the poem is orderly and without refrains. In the first part, the creator tells us about her past with the Meema blanket. In the next stanza, he describes his present and what he is currently encountering with his own blanket. In the third part he explains what he wants to achieve from his blanket in the future. The use of structure further encourages us to gain her comfort and feelings towards her blanket and how she has developed to adore and appreciate her identity. It is portrayed together to symbolize its family ties and the variety within it. Towards the end he talks about the future and the “leaf pattern” for which he names the blanket, which will continue to develop as he passes his pride on for years to come. Remember: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Through symbolism, tone, and structure Waniek can emphasize the strong family ties and deep personal pride he connects to his Century Quilt. From her cherished memories to her legacy there is an incredible importance the blanket has for her. In addition to its splendor and comfort, it gives her a nostalgic pleasure.