Question

guided practice
read the excerpt.
from \birches\
when i see birches bend to left and right
across the lines of straighter darker trees,
i like to think some boy’s been swinging them.
but swinging doesn’t bend them down to stay
how does the meter contribute to the sound and mood of the poem?
a. the use of rhyming pentameter mimics a workman’s speech.
b. the use of blank verse sounds like natural speech.
c. the use of unrhymed iambs sounds like childhood speech.

Explanation:

The excerpt from Birches is written in blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter). This form closely mirrors the rhythm of natural, conversational speech, which aligns with the poem's reflective, intimate tone. Option A is incorrect because the lines do not rhyme, and option C is incorrect as the iambic structure does not mimic childhood speech; instead, it creates a natural, flowing adult voice.

Answer:

B. The use of blank verse sounds like natural speech.