Question

read the second stanza of \some keep the sabbath going to church.\ some keep the sabbath in surplice - i just wear my wings - and instead of tolling the bell, for church, our little sexton - sings. what is the effect of the word \surplice,\ which is a garment worn by the clergy, in this stanza? it reinforces the speakers view that great mystery lies at the heart of most religious rituals. it reinforces the difference between the natural things the speaker holds dear and the rituals of the church. it reinforces the poets belief that most people feel the need to attend church. it reinforces the poets authority by suggesting that she knows quite a bit about religious rituals.

Explanation:

The speaker contrasts their natural - like way of keeping Sabbath (wearing wings, a sexton singing) with the traditional church way (wearing a surplice, tolling a bell). The surplice represents the formal church rituals, highlighting the difference between the speaker's natural approach and church rituals.

Answer:

It reinforces the difference between the natural things the speaker holds dear and the rituals of the church.