Final answer:
The imaginary voice assumed by the writer of a poem is known as the 'speaker'. The speaker serves as the narrative voice of the poem, and it's crucial to differentiate this voice from the actual poet. Understanding the speaker's perspective and tone is essential for interpreting a poem's content and emotional nuances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The imaginary voice assumed by the writer of a poem is called the speaker. This term refers to the narrative voice or perspective through which a poem is conveyed to the reader. The speaker in poetry serves a similar function to a narrator in prose, providing context, emotional tone, and personal insight into the poem's content. For example, in "Richard Cory" by Edwin Arlington Robinson, the speaker appears to be a member of the town observing Richard Cory from a distance, suggesting their own perceptions and emotions about the subject.
When engaging with a poem, it's important to ask, "Who is the speaker or narrative voice of the poem?" as this will help to decipher the poem's perspective and tone. The relationship between the speaker and the subject matter, as well as the speaker's tone of voice and stance, all contribute to the overall experience and meaning of the poem.
It is essential to distinguish between the poet and the speaker. The poet is the actual writer, while the speaker is the character or persona crafted by the poet to deliver the poem. This differentiation helps in understanding the layer of fiction or narrative within a poem, even though poets often draw from personal experiences. Readers bring the words to life by listening and often by identifying with the speaker, a process that English Romantic poet John Keats described as possessing "negative capability".