Question

Why do you think this poem uses the general pronoun one instead of I or you? What's the purpose of keeping the point of view broad rather than specific? Poem: One Wants a Teller in a Time Like This

a) To establish a personal connection
b) To convey a universal experience
c) To create a mysterious atmosphere
d) To emphasize the poet's individual perspective

Answer 1

The poem uses 'one' to convey a universal experience, allowing readers to relate broadly to its message. It shifts from an intimate to a reflective tone by using inclusive language, thereby engaging readers' senses and emotions more deeply.

Step-by-step explanation:

The usage of the pronoun 'one' instead of 'I' or 'you' in the poem likely serves to convey a universal experience rather than focusing on a personal anecdote or directing the conversation towards the reader individually. By keeping the point of view broad, the poem achieves a more inclusive approach, allowing every reader to insert themselves into the narrative, and emphasizes shared human experiences and emotions. This narrative technique shifts the focus from an individual's specific experience to one that any reader can relate to and see themselves within. The use of 'one' detaches the speaker from the story, providing a broader angle and potentially making the poem's message more relatable to a wide audience.

The variation from a more intimate 'you' in the first half of the poem to an introspective 'one' in later stanzas suggests a transition from a direct address to the audience to a more reflective and internalized tone. This shift allows the speaker to explore their feelings of awe and their personal experience without explicitly centering themselves, thereby inviting the reader to find parallels in their own experiences. Such a strategy engages readers by employing images and rhythm to simulate an experience rather than just describing it, which can involve the reader’s senses and emotions more deeply.