Question

I Am Offering this Poem by Jimmy Santiago Baca. What point is the poet making through the figurative language in the first stanza of the poem?

A. The subject does not have proper clothing to survive the winter.
B. The speaker cannot be there for the subject of the poem when she needs him.
C. The speaker can afford to give the subject of the poem many gifts.
D. The speaker wants to bring the subject comfort and warmth.

Answer 1

The poet uses figurative language in the first stanza to suggest that the poem is a gift offering comfort and warmth to the subject, corresponding to option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the first stanza of 'I Am Offering this Poem' by Jimmy Santiago Baca, the poet uses figurative language to convey a sense of deep emotional significance of the poem as a gift. This can be interpreted as the poet's offering of comfort and warmth to the subject, which aligns with option D. The use of language implying warmth and protection emphasizes that, although the speaker may not have material wealth to give, they offer the poem as sustenance for the soul. This is underscored by metaphors and imagery that suggest emotional closeness and support rather than physical presence or material goods.