“The Gift” by Li-Young Lee: Analysis

1. To pull the metal splinter from my palm
2. my father recited a story in a low voice.
3. I watched his lovely face and not the blade.
4. Before the story ended, he’d removed
5. the iron sliver I thought I’d die from.

1. I can’t remember the tale,
2. but hear his voice still, a well
3. of dark water, a prayer.
4. And I recall his hands,
5. two measures of tenderness
6. he laid against my face,
7. the flames of discipline
8. he raised above my head.

1. Had you entered that afternoon
2. you would have thought you saw a man
3. planting something in a boy’s palm,
4. a silver tear, a tiny flame.
5. Had you followed that boy
6. you would have arrived here,
7. where I bend over my wife’s right hand.

1. Look how I shave her thumbnail down
2. so carefully she feels no pain.
3. Watch as I lift the splinter out.
4. I was seven when my father
5. took my hand like this,
6. and I did not hold that shard
7. between my fingers and think,
8. Metal that will bury me,
9. christen it Little Assassin,
10. Ore Going Deep for My Heart.
11. And I did not lift up my wound and cry,
12. Death visited here!
13. I did what a child does
14. when he’s given something to keep.
15. I kissed my father.

Introduction

Written by Li-Young Lee, “The Gift” is a poem that was first published in 1986 as part of Lee’s debut collection of poems titled “Rose”. Since its publication, “The Gift” has gained significant popularity, both in the United States and internationally, due to its powerful imagery, emotional depth, and exploration of themes such as love, family, and memory. The poem has been widely anthologized, and it has also been translated into numerous languages, further contributing to its widespread appeal. Lee’s use of vivid language and evocative imagery in “The Gift” has made it a beloved and enduring piece of contemporary poetry, resonating with readers across generations and cultures.

Annotations of “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee

Full Difficult Phrases	Explanation and Annotation
metal splinter	A small piece of metal that is stuck in the skin
recited a story in a low voice	Told a story using a soft and quiet tone
lovely face	A face that is pleasing or beautiful to look at
iron sliver	A small, sharp piece of iron
well of dark water	The sound of his father’s voice is like a deep and dark pool of water
measures of tenderness	Ways in which his father showed affection and care
flames of discipline	A metaphorical expression that describes how his father disciplined him with strictness and authority
planting something in a boy’s palm	Inserting something in the boy’s hand
silver tear, a tiny flame	Metaphorical expressions that convey the idea of something small and delicate
shave her thumbnail down	Gently cut her thumbnail
Ore Going Deep for My Heart	A metaphorical phrase that describes how the metal splinter could have caused severe damage to his heart

Literary Devices in “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee

Literary Device	Reference	Explanation
Allusion	“christen it Little Assassin”	This phrase refers to the metal splinter that the speaker’s father removed from his palm. The allusion is made to emphasize the danger and potential harm that the splinter could have caused.
Anaphora	“Had you entered that afternoon / Had you followed that boy”	This repetition of the phrase “Had you” at the beginning of successive clauses creates a rhetorical effect and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the situation being described.
Assonance	“I did what a child does / when he’s given something to keep”	The repetition of the “i” sound in “did,” “child,” and “keep” creates an assonant sound that helps to create a sense of unity and coherence within the line.
Consonance	“Metal that will bury me / christen it Little Assassin”	The repetition of the “l” sound in “metal,” “will,” “little,” and “assassin” creates a consonant sound that helps to link the two phrases together and create a sense of continuity.
Enjambment	“I watched his lovely face and not the blade. / Before the story ended, he’d removed”	The enjambment in these lines creates a sense of momentum and continuity that allows the poem to flow smoothly from one line to the next.
Hyperbole	“Metal that will bury me”	This phrase is an exaggeration meant to emphasize the danger and potential harm that the metal splinter could have caused.
Imagery	“a well of dark water”	This phrase creates an image of depth and mystery, conveying the idea of a deep, dark pool of water that is rich in symbolism and meaning.
Irony	“I did not hold that shard between my fingers and think, / Metal that will bury me”	This statement is ironic because the speaker is describing the opposite of what the reader might expect. Instead of feeling fear and dread, the speaker remembers a moment of tenderness with his father.
Metaphor	“a silver tear, a tiny flame”	This metaphor compares the metal splinter to a tear and a flame, creating an image of beauty and fragility.
Onomatopoeia	“Watch as I lift the splinter out”	This line contains the sound of the speaker’s actions as he lifts the splinter out of his wife’s hand, creating a sense of immediacy and realism.
Oxymoron	“flames of discipline”	This phrase combines two contradictory terms to create a paradoxical image of discipline as a destructive force.
Paradox	“I did what a child does / when he’s given something to keep”	This paradoxical statement suggests that children have a natural tendency to protect and preserve objects, even if they are dangerous or harmful.
Personification	“Death visited here!”	This personification gives the abstract concept of death a human quality, emphasizing the idea that death is a tangible presence that can be felt and experienced.
Repetition	“I did not… / Metal that will bury me”	The repetition of the phrase “I did not” creates a sense of contrast and contradiction between what the speaker is feeling and what the reader might expect.
Rhyme	“flame” and “name”	These two words have similar vowel sounds and end in the same consonant sound, creating a sense of harmony and unity within the line.
Symbolism	“a silver tear, a tiny flame”	The silver tear and tiny flame represent the splinter in the boy’s hand, which initially seems like a small and insignificant thing, but can cause great pain and harm.
Synecdoche	“where I bend over my wife’s right hand”	The hand represents the person as a whole, emphasizing the narrator’s caring and attentive nature towards his wife.
Tone	The overall tone of the poem is one of gratitude and reverence towards the father, as well as a sense of continuity between generations. The imagery used in the poem also adds to the overall tone, with images of tenderness and love contrasting with the potential danger of the metal splinter.
Verbal Irony	“christen it Little Assassin”	The name “Little Assassin” gives a harmless name to the metal splinter that could have caused great harm, creating a contrast between the potential danger and the playful name.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee

Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	“metal splinter” (line 1), “measures of tenderness” (line 10)	Creates a musical effect by repeating the initial consonant sound in nearby words, adding emphasis and rhythm.
Assonance	“lovely face” (line 3), “dark water” (line 7)	Repeats the vowel sound in nearby words, creating a subtle harmony that contributes to the poem’s musicality.
Consonance	“prayer” (line 8), “fire” (line 12)	Repetition of consonant sounds within words, providing emphasis and creating a sense of unity in the text.
End Rhyme	“palm”/”calm” (lines 1 and 4), “pain”/”again” (lines 22 and 23)	The final syllables in each line rhyme, providing musicality and a sense of completion to each phrase.
Rhyme Scheme	ABBA (lines 1-4), ABAB (lines 21-24)	Indicates the pattern of end rhymes in the poem, which contributes to its musicality and overall structure.
Diction	“metal splinter” (line 1), “flames of discipline” (line 12)	The poet’s choice of words creates specific images and connotations, allowing the reader to imagine the situation and emotions being described.
Verse Type	Free verse	The poem does not follow a strict rhyme or meter pattern, allowing the poet to use language freely to convey meaning and emotion.
Stanza Type	Quatrain, couplet	The poem is divided into stanzas of four lines and two lines, respectively, which allows for a sense of rhythm and variation in the poem’s structure.
Poem Type	Narrative poem	The poem tells a story, moving from the past to the present, and conveys a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the speaker’s father.
Tone	Reverent, grateful	The speaker reflects on a past experience with his father and expresses gratitude for his guidance and tenderness. The tone is respectful and admiring.

Functions of Literary Devices in “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee

• Alliteration: Li-Young Lee employs alliteration in “The Gift” to create a musical effect and emphasize key phrases. Examples include “metal splinter,” “measures of tenderness,” and “flames of discipline.”
• Assonance: The poem uses assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within close proximity, to enhance harmony and emotional resonance. A notable example is “but hear his voice still, a well,” with its repeating “ee” and “i” sounds.
• Diction: Lee carefully selects words to convey the poem’s reflective tone and vivid imagery. Words like “lovely,” “prayer,” and “death” significantly contribute to the emotional landscape of the poem.
• End Rhyme: “The Gift” utilizes end rhyme inconsistently, with some lines rhyming and others not. This creates a subtle musicality without imposing a rigid structure, enhancing the poem’s emotional impact.

Themes in “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee

• The Power of Storytelling: “The Gift” highlights the power of stories to distract, comfort, and connect people. The narrator’s father uses a story to soothe his son’s pain during a difficult moment. Though the story itself fades from memory, the father’s voice and the comfort it provided remain vivid. This demonstrates the transformative power of storytelling, and how narratives can offer solace during hardship.
• The Complexity of Father-Son Relationships: The poem explores the multifaceted nature of father-son bonds. The father is both a gentle caregiver and a figure of discipline, representing the complexities often present within these relationships. While the “flames of discipline” hint at a sometimes stern demeanor, the tenderness he shows when removing the splinter is undeniable. The narrator’s response—a kiss— indicates the profound love and respect beneath the surface.
• The Importance of Intergenerational Knowledge: “The Gift” emphasizes how knowledge and traditions are passed from one generation to the next. The father’s story may be forgotten, but its impact on the son lingers through the memory of his father’s voice. This highlights the power of oral tradition in transmitting wisdom and experience. Moreover, the practical skill of removing a splinter becomes a shared connection across generations.
• The Beauty of Simple Acts of Love: The poem underscores the profound beauty found in ordinary acts of love and care. Scenes of gentle care in removing a splinter, from father to son and eventually from husband to wife, illustrate the power of small, compassionate gestures. These seemingly insignificant acts become the foundation of deep connection and meaningful lives.

Literary Theories and “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee

Literary Theory	Explanation	References from “The Gift”
Psychoanalytic Theory	Explores the subconscious and its influence on behavior. The splinter could symbolize repressed emotions, its removal a process of surfacing them. The father’s dual nature (tender yet disciplined) reflects the love/authority complexities in parent-child relationships.	* “a sliver tear” (line 2) – pain might represent hidden emotions * “flames of discipline” (line 12) – suggests authority figure and potential inner conflict
Reader-Response Theory	Emphasizes the reader’s role in creating meaning. “The Gift” encourages the reader to envision the father’s untold story and personalize the poem’s narrative. The poem’s themes (love, pain, tenderness) can resonate emotionally with the reader.	* “I want to become the ax in my father’s hand” (line 24) – reader’s potential desire to understand, connect with the father
New Criticism	Focuses on literary devices within the text itself. The splinter symbolizes pain, its removal signifies healing. Metaphors deepen meaning.	* “a sliver tear, a tiny flame” (line 2) – juxtaposes pain and intensity of experience * “I took my father’s hand / and kissed it” (line 32) – action conveys love beyond the spoken word
Marxist Theory	Explores social/economic influences in literature. Father’s care transcends class divides, yet the poem hints at power and control. The father’s authority could mirror societal hierarchies.	*”My father…who always earned it” (line 18) – hints at potential class struggles * “I want to become the ax in my father’s hand” (line 24) – yearning for control, power the son may not have

Essay Questions Thesis Statements about “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee

• Topic: Father-Son Relationship
• Question: How does Li-Young Lee use imagery and metaphor to explore the relationship between a father and a son in “The Gift”?
• Thesis statement: Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphor, Li-Young Lee conveys the complexity of a father-son relationship, exploring themes of love, tenderness, and pain.
  • Topic: Significance of the Title
  • Question: What is the significance of the title “The Gift” in Li-Young Lee’s poem?
  • Thesis statement: The title “The Gift” serves as a metaphor for the father’s act of teaching his son about love, sacrifice, and the importance of passing on traditions from one generation to the next.
• Topic: Identity and Cultural Heritage
• Question: In “The Gift,” how does Li-Young Lee explore the theme of identity and cultural heritage?
• Topic: Memory and Nostalgia
• Question: How does Li-Young Lee use memory and nostalgia to evoke emotions in “The Gift”?
• Thesis statement: Li-Young Lee uses vivid imagery, sensory details, and nostalgic language to evoke emotions and convey the significance of familial bonds in “The Gift.”
• Topic: Tradition and Legacy
• Question: What is the role of tradition and legacy in “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee?
• Thesis statement: Li-Young Lee emphasizes the importance of tradition and legacy in shaping an individual’s identity and sense of belonging, highlighting the role of familial relationships in preserving cultural heritage in “The Gift.”
• Thesis statement: Through the use of symbols and allusions, Li-Young Lee examines the complexities of identity formation and the influence of cultural heritage on an individual’s sense of self.

Short Questions-Answers about “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee

1. How does the use of sensory imagery contribute to the poem’s themes of love and gratitude in “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee?

The use of sensory imagery in “The Gift” is integral to the poem’s themes of love and gratitude. Through sensory imagery, the poet conveys a deep sense of intimacy and tenderness between the father and son. The tactile imagery of the metal splinter and the father’s hands highlights the physical closeness of the father and son, while the visual imagery of the father’s face and the boy’s palm creates a powerful emotional connection. For example, when the father removes the splinter from the boy’s palm, the poet describes the father’s hands as “two measures of tenderness / he laid against my face.” This sensory imagery conveys the love and care that the father has for his son, and emphasizes the importance of physical touch and tenderness in relationships. Overall, the sensory imagery in “The Gift” contributes to a powerful portrayal of the depth of love and gratitude between the father and son.

2. How does the structure of the poem contribute to its meaning in “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee?

The structure of “The Gift” contributes significantly to its meaning. The poem is composed of two stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza recounts the memory of the father removing the splinter from the son’s hand, while the second stanza shifts to the present moment and the son removing a splinter from his wife’s hand. The structure of the poem creates a parallel between the two events, highlighting the theme of fatherhood and the legacy that the father has left with his son. Additionally, the shift in focus from the father to the son emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the passing down of knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next. The final line of the poem, “I kissed my father,” creates a sense of closure and connection between the two events and emphasizes the enduring love and gratitude the son has for his father.

3. How does the use of metaphor and symbolism contribute to the poem’s themes of fatherhood and legacy in “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee?

The use of metaphor and symbolism in “The Gift” contributes significantly to the poem’s themes of fatherhood and legacy. For example, the metaphor of the metal splinter as a “Little Assassin” and “Ore Going Deep for My Heart” highlights the danger and pain of the situation, and also the way in which the father protects his son from harm. This metaphorical language underscores the deep love and care that the father has for his son. Additionally, the symbolism of the splinter as a physical object represents the emotional pain and wounds that the son carries with him, and the power of his father’s love to heal and soothe those wounds. The final line of the poem, “I kissed my father,” can also be seen as a symbolic gesture, representing the son’s gratitude and reverence for his father’s legacy and the impact he has had on his life.

4. What role does the act of gift-giving play in “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee, and how does it relate to the poem’s themes of love and gratitude?

The act of gift-giving plays a central role in “The Gift” and is intertwined with the poem’s themes of love and gratitude. The gift of removing the splinter from the son’s hand represents the father’s care and love for his son, and the son’s memory of the event is imbued with a deep sense of gratitude and reverence. Additionally, the act of gift-giving is cyclical, as the son later removes a splinter from his wife’s hand, carrying on the tradition of care and love that his father taught him.

Suggested Readings: “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee

Resources on Li-Young Lee’s Work

• Books:
  • Lee, Li-Young. Rose. BOA Editions, Ltd., 1986. (The collection in which “The Gift” appears)
  • Madsen, Deborah L. Understanding Contemporary American Literature, 1975–2000. Columbia: U of South Carolina P, 2007. (May contain analysis and context for Lee’s work )
• Articles: Search academic databases for articles discussing Li-Young Lee’s themes, style, influences. You might find one that touches on “The Gift”
• Websites:
  • Poetry Foundation: Li-Young Lee (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/li-young-lee) Offers biographical information, some poems, and potentially critical links.