Question

authors craft authors message
in a poem, the authors message is the theme of the poem. the theme, or the deeper meaning the poem expresses, is usually not stated directly. rather, it is suggested through the poets use of certain details and poetic elements. a culturally specific theme reflects the values and beliefs of people living in a particular culture or time period. a universal theme reflects the common, shared experiences of human beings in any culture and any time period.
the following poetic elements can help readers identify a poems theme:
repetition: repetition refers to words and phrases that are repeated in the poem. repeated words and phrases often point to the message the poet wants to convey in a poem.
imagery: an image is a phrase that appeals to one or more of the senses. imagery is language that uses images. it can be used to express the theme of a poem.
symbol: a symbol is an object, a person, an animal, a place, or an image that stands for something larger than itself. a symbol usually represents an abstract idea.
directions: read the following poem. then, answer the questions.
i never saw a moor by emily dickinson
i never saw a moor—
i never saw the sea—
yet know i how the heather looks
and what a wave must be.
i never spoke with god
nor visited in heaven—
yet certain am i of the spot
as if the chart were given—

1. moor: a high - altitude open, untamed land
2. heather: a purple - flowered plant that grows on the moors
3. what phrase is repeated in this poem?
4. what is the theme of the poem? how does repetition help you understand the theme?
5. is the theme of the poem a universal theme? explain your answer.

Explanation:

1. The phrase "I never" is repeated in the poem. Repetition emphasizes the speaker's lack of direct experience with certain things while still having knowledge or certainty about them, highlighting the theme of faith and knowledge without direct encounter.
2. The theme of the poem is the certainty of faith and knowledge without direct experience. The repetition of "I never" contrasts with the speaker's firm belief, reinforcing the idea that one can be sure of spiritual and natural - world concepts without seeing or experiencing them firsthand.
3. It is a universal theme. People across cultures and time periods often have beliefs and knowledge about things they haven't directly experienced, such as spiritual concepts or far - away natural phenomena.

Answer:

1. The phrase "I never" is repeated. It emphasizes the contrast between lack of experience and certainty of knowledge.
2. The theme is certainty of faith and knowledge without direct experience. Repetition reinforces the contrast.
3. Yes, as people in all cultures and time periods can relate to having beliefs about things they haven't directly experienced.