Final answer:
The references to "voice of my education" and "voices in me" within the poem are indicative of the speaker's internal conflict between societal teachings and innate reactions, which are key to understanding the personal and figurative narrative of the poem.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the speaker refers to the "voice of my education" and "voices in me" in the poem, it's about the internal conflict and the contrasting impulses that steer his actions and thoughts. This conflict is evident when analyzing the profound influence of societal norms and his personal emotions on his decision-making process, particularly when it comes to dealing with threats or challenges. The reference to "voice of my education" likely speaks to the formal and informal teachings he has received throughout his life. It could include moral lessons, cultural expectations, and the conventional wisdom that influences how he perceives right and wrong, safe and dangerous which speaks to his need to adhere to societal expectations. On the other hand, the "voices in me" suggests a more innate, perhaps emotional or primal reaction to situations, which could be in conflict with the learned behaviors.
The poem's comparisons of the speaker's feelings to those of animals or using the metaphor of serpents and other creatures can be quite telling. This figurative language engages readers and provides insight into the human condition, hinting at the universal nature of internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the influence of learned versus innate responses.
Understanding a poem's speaker can significantly deepen one’s engagement with the text. While it is tempting to conflate the speaker with the poet, they may not be one and the same. The speaker can be a fictional persona, created by the poet to convey certain ideas, emotions, or experiences. This narrative device allows for richer storytelling and a more complex exploration of themes. In analyzing poems, it is, therefore, crucial to consider the speaker as a separate entity from the author themselves, offering an additional layer of meaning and artistry.