Answer:
The poem "Messenger" by Mary Oliver begins with a tone of contemplation as the speaker reflects on the coming of a messenger, which is depicted as a heron. The tone shifts to a sense of urgency as the speaker realizes the heron's message, which is a reminder of the impermanence and fragility of life. This shift in tone helps to develop the poem's theme of the interconnectedness of all living things and the need to appreciate the present moment.
The contemplative tone at the beginning of the poem reflects the speaker's initial curiosity and wonder at the heron's arrival. The speaker describes the heron as "plumed and frilled," suggesting a sense of admiration and appreciation for the bird's beauty. However, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts to a sense of urgency and a call to action as the speaker realizes the message that the heron brings.
The shift in tone is particularly evident in the lines "Listen, everyone, / this is the message, / You must understand, / That everything is going to come to an end." These lines convey a sense of urgency and a need to pay attention to the message being conveyed. The change in tone helps to emphasize the importance of the message and creates a sense of tension that underscores the poem's theme.
Overall, the shifts in tone in "Messenger" help to develop the poem's theme by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the need to appreciate the present moment. The poem's contemplative beginning gives way to a sense of urgency and a call to action, creating a powerful message about the impermanence and fragility of life.
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