Question

read the second stanza of \some keep the sabbath going to church\ some keep the sabbath in surplice - i just wear my wings - and instead of tolling the bell, for church, our little sexton - sings. what is the effect of the word surplice, which is a garment worn by the clergy, in this stanza? it reinforces the difference between the natural things the speaker holds dear and the rituals of the church it reinforces the poets belief that most people feel the need to attend church it reinforces the poets authority by suggesting that she knows quite a bit about religious rituals. it reinforces the speakers view that great mystery lies at the heart of most religious rituals.

Explanation:

The word "surplice" represents the formal, ritualistic clothing of the church. The speaker contrasts this with wearing "Wings" (a natural, perhaps spiritual - symbolic element) and having a "little Sexton - sings" (a more natural, less formal way of keeping the Sabbath). This shows a difference between the speaker's natural, personal way of observing the Sabbath and the church's rituals.

Answer:

It reinforces the difference between the natural things the speaker holds dear and the rituals of the church.