Final answer:
A 'turn' or volta in poetry signifies a shift in tone, perspective, or theme, and it occurs at a specific point in the poem. This shift can be observed through changes in the narrative voice or poetic form which can alter the direction of the conversation or reveal internal changes within the speaker.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you're asking refers to analyzing the structure of a poem, specifically regarding the shift or 'turn' that occurs in its verses. In poetry, the 'turn' is known as a volta, a point in the poem where the tone, perspective, or theme takes a noticeable shift. In the examples provided, the turn may come about through a change in narrative voice, a rhetorical question that alters the direction of the conversation, or a change in form, such as a shift from declarative to introspective statements.
One such example is found in Howell's poem, which shows a shift in voice with each stanza. Initially setting the scene, it moves to an interrogative mode in the second stanza, becomes lyrical and introspective in the third, and then answers a question in the final stanza, indicating the internal change in the speaker's state of mind. Similarly, Frost's poem shows a 'turn' away from viewing nature as a safe haven to revealing its more menacing aspects. Such shifts in poetry often impact the reader's understanding and interpretation of the work. Considering the structure can unveil patterns in a poem, such as the use of repetitions or the effects of varying line lengths, which contribute to the overall impact of the poem. These elements highlight the importance of carefully crafted decisions by the poet to control the reading experience and emphasize certain themes or emotions.