Final answer:
In the poem 'Declaration' by Tracy K. Smith, 'he' serves as a rhetorical device representing an entity or collective spirit rather than a specific person, reflecting themes of the Romantic period. The use of free verse underscores personal experience and emotion, characteristic of Romanticism and the quest for freedom.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Tracy K. Smith's poem Declaration, "he" does not refer to a specific person in the traditional sense but rather represents a concept or entity that the speaker addresses. The poem, which appears to draw upon the rhetoric and historical context of the United States Declaration of Independence, uses the pronoun "he" to address an entity that has witnessed the struggles and is called upon to assist the 'afflicted oppressed, and tormented children of the States'. This reference can be interpreted as a call for attention to collective suffering or injustice that had been endured and a nod towards the need for liberation and support. It seems that the poem is employing a rhetorical device that both personalizes the call for recognition and embodies the collective spirit of a nation or a group of people.
The poem also serves as a representation of the broader themes of the Romantic period, which emphasized individual experience, the sublime, and a deep appreciation for the natural world, as well as political liberty and reform. The use of the pronoun "he" could symbolize the grand ideals and the spirit of change that were central to the Romantic ethos, and the broader historical implications of declaring independence and fighting for rights and freedom.
Moreover, the use of free verse in the poem is significant. It allows the speaker to express emotions and thoughts without the constraints of a structured rhyme scheme or meter, creating a powerful personal narrative that transcends the boundaries of traditional poetic form, which is characteristic of the freedom that the speaker seeks to convey.