Final answer:
The theme of Nikki Giovanni's poem 'Choices' revolves around the complexity of decision-making.
It uses repetition and graphical elements like line length and word position to express the theme, with each structural element enhancing the reader's understanding of the poem's message.
Step-by-step explanation:
The frequent use of repeated phrases in Nikki Giovanni's poem 'Choices' can suggest a theme of contemplation and uncertainty, as the speaker in the poem weighs different paths. Graphical elements like line breaks and word position contribute to the physical and visual representation of the theme, where short lines may indicate a fleeting thought or a fleeting option, and longer lines could suggest a more prolonged consideration or the unfolding of consequences.
Repetition in the poem highlights the theme by returning to certain concepts, which might indicate their significance or the speaker's preoccupation.
Similarly to Gwendolyn Brooks in We Real Cool, where the repetition of "We" signifies a collective identity, Giovanni’s use of repeated structures or words underlines the persistence of thought surrounding choices.
Variations in line structure and indentation engage readers visually, prompting them to consider how the physical form of the poem relates to its message.
Ultimately, Giovanni's poem encourages readers to reflect on the complex nature of decision-making and the sometimes paralyzing effect of considering all possible outcomes. By asking questions about the effects of formal choices in a poem, one can further engage with and understand the underlying themes inherent in the poem's structure and word choice.