Quilts can be a narrative factor in the history behind many cultures. The powerful symbolism at every stitch of their unique designs represented many intimate bonds between families, communities and friends. In her poem "The Century Guilt" Marilyn Wainek effectively illustrates the meaning and importance of her quilt using imagery, tone, and structure. He is able to convey the pride he feels in his rich heritage by using the symbolism behind it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Through descriptive use of colors, Waniek creates a vivid image of her quilt. “Six brown Van-Dyke squares, two white and one yellow-brown square of mother's cheeks.” These colors not only describe the quilt but also the colors of its background. The quilt is used throughout the poem as an extended metaphor to imply the great pride she feels in her interracial family. He goes on to illustrate what he would dream about while sleeping under it. He mentions his father's “burnt umber pride,” his mother's “ochre kindness,” and his grandfather's white family. This shows the diversity in the poet's story and how everyone was able to come together out of love and acceptance of each other. Waniek's diction creates a nostalgic tone as he looks back in admiration at Meema's blanket, wrapping himself in it and pretending to be a princess. “I remembered how I intended to inherit that blanket.” The memories of the past that he adds at the beginning of his poem highlight the sentimental value of the Indian blanket. He then juxtaposes this by saying that he has now found a quilt “that he would like to die under.” He allows the reader to relive his past through his perspective. The reader can see the happiness she felt while under the century quilt and the meaning those experiences have for her. From her memories to her dreams for the future, imagine the happiness her quilt brings her. She dreams of the future, passing the quilt on to her unconceived child who she suggests meeting while dreaming under the quilt. The structure of this poem is chronological and in free verse. In the first stanza the author tells us about her past with Meema's blanket. In the second verse she describes her present and what she is experiencing with a quilt of her own. In the third verse she tells us what she wants to get out of her quilt in the future. Using texture helps us further understand her comfort and emotions towards the quilt and how she was able to love and cherish who she is. It is drawn together to symbolize its family ties and the diversity within it. Ultimately, she talks about the future and the “leaf pattern” for which she names the quilt, which will continue to grow as she passes her pride on to the next generations to come. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Through imagery, tone, and structure Waniek is able to emphasize the strong family ties and deep self-pride she places in her Century Quilt. From childhood memories to her legacy, the quilt holds great meaning for her. Aside from his warmth and comfort, he brings her sentimental gratification.