Question

If I can stop one Heart from breaking by Emily Dickinson.

In lines 4 and 5 of this poem by Emily Dickinson, how does the placement of the word or most clearly contribute to the meaning of the poem?

A) The repetition of 'or' in two different lines draws attention to the lines, making them the most important lines in the poem.
B) The repeated capitalization of or' emphasizes the poem's theme of putting others before oneself.
C) The placement of 'or' at the beginning of two lines gives the poem the feel of a list, which reinforces the things the speaker wishes to do.
D) The repeated use of 'or gives the poem the rhythm of a heartbeat, reflecting the love the speaker has for people.

Answer 1

The word 'or' at the start of lines in Dickinson's poem creates a list-like structure that reinforces the actions the speaker wishes to accomplish, contributing to the poem's thematic intention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The placement of 'or' at the beginning of two lines in Emily Dickinson's poem gives the poem the feel of a list, which reinforces the things the speaker wishes to do. This technique of beginning successive lines with repetitions is a deliberative structural choice that creates patterns in the poem and can control how the poem is read. It adds to the thematic fabric of the poem by emphasizing series of actions or desires that align with the poem's overarching message of altruism and impact.