Question

Which statement best describes the structure of "I Dwell in Possibility"? The rhythmic pattern is iambic pentameter. The poem is divided into an octave and a sestet. The poem contains exactly 14 lines. The poem uses different meters throughout its verses.

Answer 1

Answer is D.

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Answer 2

The statement that best describes the structure of "I Dwell in Possibility" is:

D. The poem uses different meters throughout its verses.

Step-by-step explanation:

This is Emily Dickinson's poem "I Dwell in Possibility":

I dwell in Possibility –

A fairer House than Prose –

More numerous of Windows –

Superior – for Doors –

Of Chambers as the Cedars –

Impregnable of eye –

And for an everlasting Roof

The Gambrels of the Sky –

Of Visitors – the fairest –

For Occupation – This –

The spreading wide my narrow Hands

To gather Paradise –

As we can see, the poem is divided into three sets of four lines, or three quatrains. Option B says it is divided into an octave and a sestet, which is incorrect. Option C says the poem contains 14 lines when, in fact, it contains 12. Those two options are eliminated. Now, we only need to choose between A and C. If we highlight the stressed syllables or words, we will find the meter:

I dwell in Possibility – (4 iambs)

A fairer House than Prose – (3 iambs)

We can now easily eliminate option A, which claims the whole poem is in iambic pentameter. It actually alternates between iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter. Therefore, the correct option is letter D. the poem uses different meters throughout its verses.