Question

You will write two paragraphs about the theme of a literary text from this unit and how it develops as well as the way the elements of the text interact, impact, and shape one another. In the first paragraph, name a theme of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem “Sympathy,” and explain how it develops, citing specific examples from the text to support your answer. In the second paragraph, describe the ways in which various elements–such as the language, the setting, the speaker, and the events described–interact and affect one another.

20 Points to whoever answers quickly...

Answer 1

The theme of 'Sympathy' by Paul Laurence Dunbar is the struggle for freedom and the longing for escape. The poem uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to convey this theme. The various elements of the text, such as language, setting, and the speaker's emotions, interact and shape one another to reinforce the theme.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theme of Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem 'Sympathy' is the struggle for freedom and the longing for escape. The poem expresses the speaker's desire to break free from the constraints that society has placed upon them. This theme develops through the use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language. For example, the line 'I know why the caged bird beats his wing' conveys the speaker's understanding of the bird's desperate struggle for freedom.

In 'Sympathy,' various elements of the text interact and shape one another to convey the theme. The language used in the poem, such as the use of strong verbs and vivid imagery, reflects the speaker's intense desire for freedom. The setting of the poem, which is described as a closed-off and restrictive space, reinforces the theme of confinement and the longing for escape. The speaker's perspective and emotions also interact with the events described in the poem, creating a sense of empathy and understanding for the bird's struggle.