In “The Enemies” by Elizabeth Jennings, the poet effectively

conveys themes of mistrust and fear through various literary

devices. Here are some key ways she achieves this:
Imagery: The imagery used in the poem creates a vivid picture
of the invasion and its aftermath. Phrases like “swift and dark
invasion” evoke a sense of urgency and danger. The
description of the city as “a haunted place” and the streets as
“filled with stories” suggests an atmosphere of unease and
lingering fear.
Jennings’ imagery vividly captures the emotional toll of the
invasion. The line “Old friends close up the candid looks upon
their face” illustrates how fear disrupts even long-standing
relationships, eroding openness and trust. Similarly, “Better
draw the blinds / Even if strangers haunt in my own house”
portrays the invasive and suffocating nature of fear, suggesting
that it has penetrated both public and private spaces. This
imagery reinforces the idea that mistrust spreads like an
invisible force, haunting the townspeople’s minds and homes.
Tone: The tone of the poem is one of caution and unease.
Words like “cautiously” and “no warmth in hands accepting
hands” indicate a lack of trust and a sense of danger. The
overall tone reflects the uncertainty and apprehension felt by
the townspeople.
Symbolism: The strangers themselves are symbolic of the
unknown and the potential threat they represent. Their sudden
arrival and lack of explanation for their presence symbolize the
unpredictability and fear of the unknown. The fact that they do
not speak a recognizable language further emphasizes their
otherness and the mistrust it breeds.
Personification: The city is described as “haunted,” giving it
human-like qualities of fear and unease. This personification
helps to convey the pervasive sense of mistrust and fear that
has settled over the town.
Shift in Perspective: The poem starts with a neutral or even
welcoming tone towards the strangers, but this quickly shifts to
one of mistrust and fear. This shift mirrors the change in the
townspeople’s attitudes, highlighting how quickly fear can take
hold in the face of the unknown.

Repetition: The repetition of phrases like “Better hide myself”

and “Better draw the blinds” emphasizes the pervasive sense
of fear and the lengths to which people are willing to go to
protect themselves. This repetition underscores the collective
anxiety and the need for self-preservation.
Irony: There is an ironic contrast between the initial lack of
questioning and the subsequent realization that the strangers’
intentions are unknown. The intrusion was not for devastation,
yet the city remains filled with fear and mistrust. This irony
highlights the irrational nature of fear and how it can persist
even in the absence of a clear threat.
Jennings uses parallelism to emphasize the shared experience
of mistrust. For instance, in the lines “Man meeting man speaks
cautiously. / Old friends close up the candid looks upon their
face,” the repetition of similar structures highlights how fear
has infiltrated relationships, forcing individuals to guard
themselves even from familiar faces. This structural repetition
reinforces the universality of fear and the erosion of trust within
the community.

Enjambment also plays a critical role in conveying fear and

uncertainty. For example, in the lines “Last night they came
across the river / And entered the city,” the break creates a
pause that mirrors the quiet yet ominous progression of the
invaders. Similarly, in “Women were awake / With light and
food,” the continuation across the line reflects the tension of
the moment, as if the women are suppressing their anxiety
while attempting to maintain composure. The use of
enjambment mimics the persistent and unresolved nature of
fear.
Jennings’ diction further conveys the atmosphere of mistrust
and fear. Words such as “haunted,” “cautiously,” and “close
up” evoke isolation and suspicion. For example, the description
of the town as “Yet all the city is a haunted place” suggests
that the strangers’ presence has left a lasting psychological
impact, transforming the once-familiar environment into one of
unease. This choice of words reflects the lingering mistrust that
permeates the town.
Symbolism is a key feature of the poem, with the opening lines
setting the tone: “Last night they came across the river / And
entered the city.” The river symbolizes a boundary that has
been violated, representing the breach of safety and order. This
imagery evokes the townspeople’s vulnerability, as their once-
secure space has been invaded. Similarly, the women’s offering
of “light and food” to the strangers symbolizes a façade of
peace and civility, highlighting their attempt to suppress fear
while remaining outwardly hospitable.
Jennings also uses an extended metaphor to portray the
psychological intrusion of the invaders. The line “Better hide
myself in case / Those strangers have set up homes in minds”
suggests that the fear of the strangers has infiltrated the
townspeople’s thoughts, transforming their inner lives into
untrustworthy spaces. This metaphor reflects how mistrust and
fear can corrupt even personal and intimate relationships.
Sibilance enhances the ominous tone of the poem. Phrases
such as “swift and dark invasion” employ the soft “s” sound to
evoke a sense of secrecy and creeping dread. This whisper-like
quality reflects the quiet, insidious nature of the strangers’
presence and the fear they leave in their wake.
Finally, anaphora in lines such as “No one” and “Each ponders”
emphasizes the collective experience of fear. The repetition of
these phrases draws attention to the universal nature of the
townspeople’s mistrust, showing how fear spreads and unifies
them in their vulnerability.
Through these literary devices, Elizabeth Jennings effectively
conveys the themes of mistrust, uncertainty and fear in “The
Enemies,” creating a powerful and evocative portrayal of the
impact of the unknown on a community.
REPHRASED VERSION USING PETER TECHNIQUE

Certainly! Here’s the revised essay in full, in essay

form:

In Elizabeth Jennings’ poem The Enemies, the poet effectively

conveys themes of mistrust, fear, and uncertainty through the
use of various literary devices. Through careful choices of
diction, imagery, symbolism, and structure, Jennings creates an
atmosphere where the townspeople’s lives are overtaken by
the unknown and the fear that accompanies it.

One of the most striking ways Jennings conveys these emotions

is through her use of imagery. The phrases “swift and dark
invasion” and the city being described as “a haunted place”
immediately create a vivid sense of danger and unease. The
imagery of the “haunted place” suggests that the invasion has
left a permanent mark on the town, a psychological scar that
lingers in the air. The townspeople are left to grapple with the
aftermath, where fear and suspicion fill every corner of their
world. This use of imagery not only evokes the physical threat
posed by the strangers but also portrays the emotional toll of
the invasion. For example, the line “Old friends close up the
candid looks upon their face” illustrates how even long-
standing relationships are altered by fear, as the townspeople
begin to distrust even those closest to them. Additionally,
“Better draw the blinds / Even if strangers haunt in my own
house” portrays the invasive nature of fear, suggesting that it
penetrates both public and private spaces. Fear, like the
strangers, becomes an entity that cannot be avoided or shut
out, infecting every area of life.

Jennings also creates an atmosphere of mistrust and fear

through her tone, which is one of caution and unease. The
words “cautiously” and the phrase “no warmth in hands
accepting hands” convey a lack of trust and a sense of danger.
The tone captures the emotional state of the townspeople,
who, in the wake of the strangers’ sudden arrival, are left to
navigate a world in which security and peace have been
upended. The choice of words here reflects the psychological
toll of the invasion, where even the most basic human
interactions are tinged with suspicion and fear.

Another crucial literary device that Jennings employs is

symbolism. The strangers themselves are symbolic of the
unknown and the threat it represents. Their arrival without
explanation or clear purpose symbolizes the fear and confusion
that come with unpredictability. The fact that they speak a
language the townspeople cannot understand only deepens
this sense of alienation and mistrust. Similarly, the river that
the strangers cross symbolizes a boundary—one that has been
breached, marking the loss of safety and security for the
townspeople. The once-secure city is now vulnerable to the
intrusion of both the unknown strangers and the pervasive fear
they bring with them.

Jennings’ use of personification further intensifies the sense of

fear and mistrust. The city is described as “haunted,” giving it
human-like qualities that reflect the fear that now inhabits it.
This personification makes the city itself a victim of the
invasion, echoing the townspeople’s emotional and
psychological trauma. The description of the city as “haunted”
also suggests that the fear lingers long after the strangers are
gone, transforming the environment into something
unrecognizable and menacing.

A key element in the poem is the shift in perspective. Initially,

the tone towards the strangers is neutral, even welcoming, but
this quickly shifts to one of fear and suspicion. The lines “Better
hide myself” and “Better draw the blinds” show how quickly
the mood of the poem changes as the unknown becomes
something to fear. This shift mirrors the rapid transition the
townspeople experience, where the presence of the strangers,
though initially not destructive, sparks a transformation from
peace to anxiety. This change reflects how quickly fear can
invade a community, altering perceptions and relationships
almost overnight.

Repetition also plays a significant role in building the

atmosphere of fear. Phrases like “Better hide myself” and
“Better draw the blinds” are repeated, emphasizing the
obsessive nature of fear. These repetitions highlight the
lengths to which people are willing to go to protect themselves,
reinforcing the poem’s focus on self-preservation in the face of
uncertainty. The repetition of these phrases suggests that fear
is not a passing emotion but a constant, intrusive presence that
the townspeople must continually confront.

An element of irony emerges in the poem as well. While the

invasion is not for devastation, the city remains filled with fear
and mistrust. The line “The intrusion was not for devastation: /
Peace is apparent still on hearth and field” contrasts with the
overwhelming anxiety that grips the townspeople. This irony
underscores the irrational nature of fear, where a perceived
threat can have a far greater emotional impact than the actual
event. Even though the strangers cause no physical harm, their
presence is enough to unsettle the town and disrupt its sense
of peace.

The use of parallelism in the lines “Man meeting man speaks

cautiously. / Old friends close up the candid looks upon their
face” emphasizes the shared experience of fear. The parallel
structure of these lines highlights how fear has infiltrated every
interaction, eroding the trust even between long-time friends.
This repetition underscores the universal effect of fear, as it
spreads throughout the entire community, leaving no one
untouched.
Jennings also utilizes enjambment to enhance the sense of
unease. In lines such as “Last night they came across the
river / And entered the city,” the break between the lines
creates a pause that builds suspense, mirroring the gradual
and ominous progression of the invaders. Similarly, the
continuation of the line “Women were awake / With light and
food” reflects the tension of the moment, as if the women are
suppressing their fear while attempting to maintain a
semblance of normalcy. Enjambment serves to mirror the
persistent, unresolved nature of fear, which is never fully
addressed or understood.

Diction plays a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere of fear.

Words like “haunted,” “cautiously,” and “close up” evoke
feelings of isolation and suspicion. The description of the town
as “a haunted place” suggests that the strangers’ presence has
left a psychological scar, altering the town’s once-familiar
environment. This choice of diction reflects how fear, once
introduced, can permanently change the community’s sense of
normalcy, fostering an atmosphere of unease and mistrust.

An extended metaphor is used to describe the psychological

intrusion of the invaders. In the line “Better hide myself in case
/ Those strangers have set up homes in minds”, Jennings
compares the strangers to invasive forces that can occupy the
townspeople’s thoughts, making their minds untrustworthy.
This metaphor deepens the impact of the strangers’ invasion,
suggesting that fear is not just a physical phenomenon but
something that can invade and alter the inner lives of the
townspeople as well.

Sibilance is another key device in the poem. Phrases like “swift

and dark invasion” employ the soft “s” sound to create a sense
of secrecy and dread. This whisper-like quality enhances the
ominous tone of the poem, suggesting that fear operates in
subtle, insidious ways, creeping into the lives of the
townspeople without their full awareness.

Finally, anaphora in lines such as “No one” and “Each ponders”

emphasizes the collective nature of fear. The repetition of
these phrases underscores the shared experience of mistrust
and the way fear unites the townspeople in their vulnerability.
It reinforces the idea that fear spreads rapidly, affecting
everyone in its path.

Through these literary devices, Elizabeth Jennings effectively

conveys the themes of mistrust, fear, and uncertainty in The
Enemies. The poem illustrates how fear can transform a
community, disrupting relationships and altering the perception
of safety. By using powerful imagery, symbolism, and a range
of poetic techniques, Jennings paints a vivid portrait of a town
caught in the grip of the unknown, its residents left to navigate
a world where trust has been irreparably damaged.

POINTS
Introduction to the themes:

The Enemies by Elizabeth Jennings conveys

themes of mistrust, fear, and uncertainty.
These emotions are depicted through various
literary devices, such as diction, imagery,
symbolism, and structure.
Imagery:

“swift and dark invasion” evokes a sense of

danger.
The town is described as “a haunted place”,
suggesting psychological scars left by the
invaders.
“Old friends close up the candid looks upon their
face” shows how fear disrupts relationships.
“Better draw the blinds / Even if strangers haunt
in my own house” portrays fear infiltrating both
public and private spaces.
Tone:

The tone is cautious and uneasy, expressed

through words like “cautiously” and “no warmth
in hands accepting hands”.
The tone reflects the uncertainty felt by the
townspeople, who live in constant fear of the
unknown.
Symbolism:

The strangers symbolize the unknown, bringing

fear and confusion with their sudden
appearance.
The river symbolizes a breached boundary,
marking the loss of safety.
“Light and food” symbolize a facade of civility,
contrasting with the underlying fear.
Personification:

The city is described as “haunted”, personifying

it to reflect the emotional trauma of the people.
The city itself becomes a symbol of the lingering
fear and psychological impact of the invasion.
Shift in Perspective:

The initial neutrality towards the strangers shifts

quickly to suspicion and fear.
Phrases like “Better hide myself” and “Better
draw the blinds” demonstrate how quickly the
town changes in its perception of the invaders.
Repetition:

Repeated phrases like “Better hide myself” and

“Better draw the blinds” emphasize the
obsessive nature of fear.
This repetition highlights the anxiety of self-
preservation and the collective experience of
fear.
Irony:

The irony is that while the intrusion was not for

devastation, the city remains filled with fear.
“The intrusion was not for devastation: / Peace is
apparent still on hearth and field” shows the
irrational nature of fear, as it persists despite
the absence of violence.
Parallelism:
The lines “Man meeting man speaks cautiously. /
Old friends close up the candid looks upon their
face” use parallel structure to highlight the
shared experience of fear.
This repetition of similar structures shows how
fear has penetrated relationships and trust.
Enjambment:

Lines such as “Last night they came across the

river / And entered the city” create pauses that
build suspense.
The use of enjambment mirrors the gradual,
ominous movement of the invaders and the
unresolved nature of fear.
Diction:

Words like “haunted,” “cautiously,” and “close

up” evoke feelings of isolation and suspicion.
“Yet all the city is a haunted place” suggests
that the strangers’ presence has left a lasting,
psychological impact.
Extended Metaphor:

“Better hide myself in case / Those strangers

have set up homes in minds” compares fear to an
invading force occupying the townspeople’s
thoughts.
This metaphor shows how mistrust and fear can
corrupt even personal, internal spaces.
Sibilance:

Phrases like “swift and dark invasion” use soft

“s” sounds to create a sense of secrecy and
creeping dread.
The sibilance enhances the poem’s ominous tone,
making the fear feel insidious and quiet.
Anaphora:

The repetition of “No one” and “Each ponders”

emphasizes the collective experience of fear.
These repeated phrases highlight how fear unites
the townspeople in their vulnerability and
uncertainty.
Conclusion:

Jennings uses a wide range of literary devices to

convey the themes of mistrust, fear, and
uncertainty.
The poem effectively portrays the psychological
impact of the unknown, showing how fear can
spread, erode trust, and change a community
permanently.