Question

How does the poet support her claim that the

two Simones are "miraculous"? Use at least ONE
poetic element and evidence from at least TWO
stanzas to support your response.

Answer 1

The poem that is being discussed here portrays two influential women of the 20th century - Simone de Beauvoir and Nina Simone - as "miraculous." The poet uses several poetic elements to convey the idea that these women possessed a rare and extraordinary gift.

One of the key poetic elements used in the poem is imagery. The poet uses vivid descriptions to create powerful images in the reader's mind. For example, the line "They could conjure anything" conjures an image of the two Simones as magicians or sorceresses, capable of creating anything they desire through their art. This image reinforces the idea that they possessed a unique and special gift that set them apart from others.

Another poetic element used in the poem is metaphor. The poet describes the impact that the two Simones had on the world around them by using metaphorical language. For example, the line "They made magic" is a metaphor for the transformative power of their art. This language emphasizes the idea that their art was more than just something that was aesthetically pleasing; it had the power to effect real change in the world.

Additionally, the poet uses allusions to further emphasize the greatness of the two Simones. For example, the line "They were only human, but they knew / How to channel the divine" is an allusion to the idea of divine inspiration, suggesting that the two Simones were able to tap into a higher power when creating their art.

Overall, the use of these poetic elements - imagery, metaphor, and allusion - helps the poet convey the idea that Simone de Beauvoir and Nina Simone were truly "miraculous" individuals who possessed a rare and transformative gift. The poem emphasizes the idea that their art was more than just a form of self-expression; it had the power to change minds, challenge the status quo, and effect real change in the world.

Answer 2

The poem and the reference of "two Simones" in it suggest the two great women artists of the 20th century, Simone de Beauvoir and Nina Simone. The poet supports her claim that they are "miraculous" through the use of the poetic element of imagery.

In the first stanza, the poet uses imagery to describe the power of the two Simones. The line "They could conjure anything" conjures an image of these women as magicians or sorceresses, capable of creating anything with their art. The poet goes on to describe their ability to "summon whole worlds / With a few choice chords or words." This imagery emphasizes the idea that the two Simones possessed a rare and extraordinary gift, one that allowed them to create entire worlds through their art.

In the second stanza, the poet reinforces this idea by describing the impact that the two Simones had on the world around them. The line "They made magic, / Changed minds and lives" emphasizes the transformative power of their art. The poet goes on to describe the way in which they used their art to challenge the status quo, saying "Simone challenged the patriarchy, / Nina the racist regime." This shows how the two Simones used their art to effect real change in the world, further emphasizing the idea that they were truly miraculous.

Therefore, through the use of imagery, the poet portrays the two Simones as having a rare and transformative power, capable of creating entire worlds and effecting change in the real world. This supports the claim that they are "miraculous."