Moreover, Hughes employs phallic imagery to underscore the theme of war: the sons appear "Stiff with weapons," and not "with stiff weapons." Aurally, Hughes' imagery is enhanced through alliteration, like the "hoeing hands of men," and the repetition of the "s" consonant throughout the verses. Auditory imagery adds to the overall impact of violence that pervades the poem. Yet "Thistles" conveys no moral meaning, no judgment against the plant or human warriors.

Imagery in Hughes' "Thistles" therefore serves a number of key functions. First, imagery conveys the multi-sensory impact of war and violence. Because it can be felt viscerally, viewed, and heard, violence is pervasive in nature. Second, violence is a neutral force and is integral to nature's endless cycle of death and birth. Whether with weeds or whole civilizations, violence and war are inevitable.

Works Cited

Hughes, Ted. "Thistles." Retrieved Aug 2, 2006 at http://www.cs.rice.edu/~ssiyer/minstrels/poems/417.html...
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