Question

some keep the sabbath going to church - i keep it, staying at home - with a bobolink for a chorister - and an orchard, for a dome - some keep the sabbath in surplice - i just wear my wings - and instead of tolling the bell, for church, our little sexton - sings. god preaches, a noted clergyman - and the sermon is never long. so instead of getting to heaven at last - what is the central topic of the poem? spirituality complete what might have shocked readers about dickinsons view of spirituality? her nontraditional view of spiritual obligations complete the rhythmic structure reinforces the perspective of spirituality through a tone. bitter and critical confident and forthright conventional and arrogant

Explanation:

The poem contrasts traditional ways of observing the Sabbath (going to church, wearing surplice, tolling bell) with the speaker's non - traditional approach (staying at home, having a bird as a chorister, etc.). The tone is not bitter or critical as there is no harsh condemnation of the traditional ways. It is also not conventional as the speaker's view is non - traditional. The speaker presents their view of spirituality in a confident manner (e.g., "I keep it, staying at Home") and is forthright in expressing their alternative perspective.

Answer:

confident and forthright