Quilts can be a narrative factor in the history behind many cultures. The powerful symbolism of each stitch of their unique designs represented many intimate connections 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. She is able to convey the pride she takes in her rich heritage by using the symbolism behind it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Through descriptive use of color, Waniek creates a vivid image of her quilt. “Six squares of Van-Dyke brown, two white and one square of the yellow brown of Mom’s cheeks.” These colors describe not only 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. She goes on to illustrate what she would dream of while sleeping under it. She recalls the “burnt umber pride” of her father, the “ochre gentleness” of her mother and the white family of her grandfather. This demonstrates the diversity of the poet's story and how they were all able to come together through love and acceptance of each other. Waniek's diction creates a nostalgic tone as she gazes in awe at Meema's blanket, wrapping herself in it and pretending to be a princess. “I remembered how I had planned to inherit this blanket.” The memories of the past that she adds at the beginning of her poem underline the sentimental value of the Indian blanket. She then juxtaposes it by saying that she has now found a quilt "that she would like to die under." It allows the reader to relive their past through their own point of view. The reader can see the happiness she experienced under the quilt of the century and the importance these experiences have for her. From her memories to her dreams for the future, she imagines the happiness that her quilt brings her. She dreams of the future, passing the quilt on to her unconceived child whom she suggests she meets while dreaming beneath the quilt. The structure of this poem is chronological and in free verse. In the first stanza, the author tells us about his past with Meema's cover. During the second stanza, she describes her present and what she is currently experiencing with her own quilt. In the third stanza she tells us what she wants to achieve from her quilt in the future. Using structure helps us better understand her comfort and emotions with her quilt and how she learned to love and cherish who she is. It is sketched together to symbolize its family ties and the diversity within it. At the end, she talks about the future and the "leaf pattern" by which she names the quilt, which will continue to grow as she passes her pride on to the next generations. Keep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a personalized essay now from our expert writers.Get a personalized essayThrough imagery, tone, and structure, Waniek is able to emphasize strong family ties and the deep pride she takes in her Century Quilt. From her childhood memories to her heritage, the quilt has great meaning for her. In addition to its warmth and comfort, it brings him sentimental gratification.