Final answer:
The structure and line breaks in poetry influence the pacing and tone, and symbols within a poem carry deeper meanings that enhance the reader's understanding of the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examining the effects of poetic structure and line breaks, it becomes apparent how poets use these elements to guide the reader's interpretation and emotional response. The indentation in the poem is used to emphasize rhyming lines or to create a visual pattern that corresponds to the poem's thematic elements.
Meanwhile, the line breaks serve to punctuate ideas and influence the pacing of how a poem is read. In specific examples, like the first couple of lines of Nguyen's poem, the break between "floating" and "dead" not only subverts the reader's expectations but also profoundly shifts the tone of the narrative, illustrating the lasting impact of trauma.
Symbols in poetry, such as the loom, weaving, a river, an island, or a mirror, often carry deeper meanings. A loom or weaving might symbolize the intricate tapestry of life and interconnected human experiences. A river could represent life's continuous flow or the passage of time, while an island might signify isolation or refuge.
In the context of the poem, these symbols could draw on their general connotations to contribute layers of meaning to the text, expanding the reader's interpretation of the poem's message.