A central theme of Emily Dickinson's poem 'Hope' is the thing with feathers is the everlasting and uplifting nature of hope, best expressed through the metaphor of a bird's song that 'never stops' within the soul.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Theme of Emily Dickinson's Poem
A central theme of Emily Dickinson's poem 'Hope' is the thing with feathers is the enduring and uplifting nature of hope. This theme is explored through the metaphor of a bird that continuously sings within the human soul, providing comfort and strength regardless of circumstances. The bird's song represents the presence of hope that never falters, even during the hardest times.
For PART A, the best representation of this theme is the endurance of hope, as suggested in the lines:
'And sings the tune without the words, And never stops — at all'
This quote indicates that hope is unwavering and ever-present, a concept illustrated by the tireless song of the bird that 'never stops'.
For PART B, the quote that best supports this theme is:
'That perches in the soul — / ... And never stops — at all' (Lines 2-4)
This line directly conveys the persistence and consistency of hope within the soul, thereby powerfully supporting the poem's central theme.
The probable question can be: PART A: Which of the following best describes a central theme of the poem "Hope' is the thing with feathers" written by Emily Dickinson?
PART B: Which of the of the following quotes best supports the answer to Part A?
A. “'Hope' is the thing with feathers" ( Line 1)
B. “That perches in the soul — / ... And never stops — at all” ( Lines 2-4)
C. “sore must be the storm — / That could abash” ( Lines 6-7)
D. “I’ve heard it in the chilliest land — / And on the strangest Sea — ” ( Lines 9-10)