Little Green Analysis

        Shifting between a regretful and hopeful tome throughout the song, “Little Green”, Joni Mitchell introduces naturalistic imagery, descriptive similes, and varied point of view to discuss the loss and adoption of her daughter whom she wants to “have a happy ending”

       Throughout the song “Little Green”, the point of view shifts repeatedly between second and third person. One example of this is “Choose her a name she will answer to” She is talking about herself naming her daughter. Also, “There’ll be icicles and birthday clothes,” is telling her daughter what her life will be like. Last, she talks about the father, “He sends you a poem” This is from the father’s point of view because he still doesn’t come back. The point of view shifts repeatedly through the song.

          In the song, other than varied point of view there are also descriptive similes. The first example of this is her comparing little green to the color of spring, “Just a little green/ Like the color when spring is born” this means her daughter is bringing her happiness. Next, she compares her little green to something beautiful, “Just a little green/ Like the nights when the Northern Lights perform” The Northern Lights are beautiful and unique so this is a compliment to her newborn daughter who she will soon be losing. The descriptive similes in this song are extremely prominent.

          There are many poetic devices in this song, including descriptive similes and varied point of view, but perhaps the most important is the naturalistic imagery. One example of this is when the speaker is talking about a nameless character referred to as “He”. The speaker says, “He went to California/ Hearing everything was warmer there” You can imagine the warmth of this state as you read about it. Also, there is imagery