Abstract
Kudzu is a plant that was introduced into the South with hopes it would prevent erosion. It spread very rapidly and has become a pest. It explains how James Dickey personified this plant in his poem, "Kudzu". He uses several different themes to describe this pesky plant.

From the Paper
"James Dickey's "Kudzu" offers a quite untraditional view of a local southern pest. Generally speaking, Dickey describes the plant in its true form, a quick-growing plant that spreads so fast it is almost impossible for farmers to sleep for fear of it. Overall, Dickey uses several themes, including military, supernatural, and communication themes, to personify this very humanlike plant. Dickey develops these individual themes using personification, similes, and metaphors."

Tags:personification, personify, plant, poem, poetry, south

Abstract
Written in question and answer form, this paper traces the history of the Kudzu vine from its natural Asia to its introduction to the United States in the late 19th Century. The paper focuses on the problems caused by Kudzu and why it is considered more of a menace these days. The paper concludes with the benefits of the plants and argues that if more people were educated about its beneficial properties, they would not be so quick to eradicate it.

From the Paper
"All non-wooden parts of the plant are edible; the leaves can be made into cooked greens or used in fresh salad, the flowers can be sauteed or fried like is traditional with squash flowers, and the roots can be used as a whole prepared dish or to starch liquids. In fact, researchers have found that traditional Asian medicine was correct about the healing properties of kudzu. Kudzu has been proven to be effective in treating alcoholism, reducing hangovers, treating migraines and other headaches, acting as an anti-inflammatory, and even being a cancer preventative. (Wikipedia) With all of these possibilities, eradication may be the least beneficial control method available. Education about this plant is the key to success for all concerned parties."

Tags:perennial, chemicals, grazing