Vahni Capildeo’s poem “Stalker” deals with the issue of incompatible relations. The speaker realizes that her relationship with her lover - the stalker - cannot function, yet her lover, blind with passion, continues to follow her with the hopes of reconciling. The speaker ultimately reconciles with the stalker, but their coming together results in disaster. Through syntax, rhythm, imagery, figurative language, Capildeo uses this example to reveal how relationships built upon passion cannot overcome a lack of understanding and incompatibility between two people. A usage of anaphora, symbolism, and time imagery introduce the speaker and the stalker’s relationship as a failed attempt in developing a meaningful relationship. The speaker describes the stalker as waiting with both the first and second line beginning with the statement “He waits.” The anaphora of “He waits” establishes the stalker’s omnipresence in the speaker’s life. It also develops an ominous, eerie mood by suggesting that the stalker is in constant waiting for the speaker. The speaker refers to the seasons of “spring” and “autumn dawn” in discussing the duration of the stalker’s waiting. The symbolic meaning of spring and autumn dawn contradict one another since spring signifies…show more content… The seventh line begins with the statement, “He waits/and in me he waits.” The repetition of the “ai” sound within the word “waits” creates a soothing and comforting sound. Nonetheless, this assonance develops a false sense of tranquility since the speaker feels surrounded and conflicted by the stalker’s presence. Thus, the repetition of the “ai” sound reflects the speaker’s condition. She feels tempted by the stalker’s presence to resume her relationship, but she realizes the harsh reality of their incompatibility through her lover stalking her and occupying her every
