Analysis

In this section of the study guide, you can read a short presentation of our analysis of “London Taxi Driver” by David Dabydeen.

We will start by focusing on the outer and inner composition of the poem. “London Taxi Driver” is a three-stanza poem, written in free verse, with each stanza conveying a different image.

Then, we will point out the traits of the two characters, the taxi driver and the speaker. The speaker conveys the taxi driver’s experience and the taxi driver is not named as he represents the stereotypical, immigrant taxi driver in London.

Also, we will concentrate on the language and style of the poem. We will discuss how the author is playing with language, the sentence structure, the types of words used, the style of the poem and mode of expression, as well as the irony used in the poem and its rhythm and rhyme.

Finally, we will present you the language devices that contribute to imagery and give the poem additional meanings. “London Taxi Driver” by David Dabydeen is conveyed using several metaphors, a simile, and an example of personification.

We will offer you a full analysis of the poem in the next pages of this study guide.