Final answer:
The poet develops the theme by personifying hope as a bird with feathers that resides in the soul, singing a wordless tune that persists despite challenges and storms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emily Dickinson develops the theme in "Hope is the thing with feathers" through powerful and vivid personification. By portraying hope as a bird with feathers that "perches in the soul," Dickinson gives hope tangible qualities, making it an organic and living entity within the human experience. The use of the metaphorical bird conveys a sense of delicacy and resilience, emphasizing the enduring nature of hope. The bird's ability to sing "the tune without the words" suggests a form of expression that transcends language, highlighting the universal and intuitive nature of hope that doesn't rely on explicit articulation.
Moreover, the poet employs imagery to reinforce the theme. The description of hope being "sweetest in the gale" suggests that hope is most profound and comforting during times of adversity. The idea that even the most intense storms cannot abash the little bird of hope underscores the resilience and strength inherent in hope. The poet's choice of words like "chillest land" and "strangest sea" further expands the scope of hope, illustrating its universal presence in diverse and challenging circumstances. The fact that the bird never asks for anything, even in extremity, emphasizes the selfless and enduring nature of hope as an intrinsic part of the human soul.
In conclusion, Dickinson intricately develops the theme by weaving together personification, metaphor, and imagery, creating a poignant portrayal of hope as an unwavering, resilient force that resides within the human soul, singing its wordless tune regardless of external circumstances.