Question

that i did always love
by emily dickinson
that i did always love
i bring thee proof
that till i loved
i never lived—enough—

that i shall love alway—
i argue thee
that love is life—
and life hath immortality—

this—dost thou doubt—sweet—
then have i
nothing to show
but calvary—

read the last stanza of “that i did always love.”

this—dost thou doubt—sweet—
then have i
nothing to show
but calvary—

what does the word “calvary” most likely suggest?

the speaker is in a great deal of pain.
the speaker considers love akin to religion.
the speaker finds human love unpleasant.
the speaker is martyred by her love.

“why do i love” you, sir?
by emily dickinson
“why do i love” you, sir?
because—
the wind does not require the grass
to answer—wherefore when he pass
she cannot keep her place.

because he knows—and
do not you—
and we know not—
enough for us
the wisdom it be so—

Explanation:

Calvary is the site of Jesus' crucifixion, a central religious symbol. In the poem, using "Calvary" to represent the proof of love implies the speaker equates love with religious devotion or significance, as religious imagery is used to emphasize the depth of love. Other options: "pain" is too narrow (Calvary is about sacrifice/religion, not just pain), "unpleasant" contradicts the poem's tone, and "martyred" misinterprets—Calvary here is about the sacredness of love, not literal martyrdom.

Answer:

The speaker considers love akin to religion