Poetic Effects of Contrast

Abstract

This chapter examines how Cecchi’s essays set lyrical and non-lyrical elements in contrast in order to surprise and move the reader and thus invite a poetic response. I call this class of poetic effects ‘of contrast’, because they rely on the rupture that an epiphany brings into the theme, tone, outlook, and style of Cecchi’s essays. My close reading of a selection of the essays identifies two sets of contrasts: those where the lyrical element interacts with reason and/or humour, and those where it intrudes into everyday reality as the revelation of the inexplicable and almost fantastic aspect of nature. Cecchi’s reliance on visual descriptions and figurative language expresses his belief in the power of images to manifest for a moment the mysterious essence of nature.