Final answer:
The speaker's point of view in "Sepia" is reflective, delving into themes of beauty and destruction. The speaker's appreciation of unconventional beauty and the subjective nature of it creates a contemplative poem, rich with allusions to wider social and environmental issues, illustrating the complexity and subjectivity of aesthetic appreciation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The speaker's point of view in the poem "Sepia" is one of contemplation and reflection, touching on themes of beauty, destruction, and perception. Throughout the poem, the speaker seems to appreciate the aesthetics in what is conventionally unattractive or harmful, suggesting a complex view of what constitutes beauty. The poem examines themes such as environmental issues and sentimentality in a nuanced way, akin to the Romantic period's appreciation of nature and emotions. The tone varies, potentially starting with a sense of wonder and shifting towards a sense of reflection or criticism.
Questions within the poem, such as "Doesn't a tear deserve a close-up?" express the theme by contrasting the conventional idea of beauty with its less celebrated forms. This exploration of beauty's subjective nature can also be connected with broader events such as 9/11 or environmentalism, as suggested by references that resonate with readers familiar with those contexts.
The concept of perspectives shifting is visible in the poem, as seen through the evolving nature of certain symbols like ribbons and flames. This serves to bridge the gap between the speaker and other characters in the poem, revealing a shared capability to find beauty in destructive forces.