Question

which statement best describes the rhyme schemes of \the author to her book\ and \a hymn to the evening\?
both poets primarily use couplets to link ideas; bradstreet uses inversion to complete rhymes.
both poets use couplets for rhyme scheme and structure, inverting sentences when needed to maintain the rhyme.
bradstreet uses couplets throughout; wheatley uses couplets and inverts sentences as needed for emphasis.
bradstreet uses couplets for their overall rhyme scheme and structure; wheatley uses couplets to enhance the poem as a song of praise for creation.

Explanation:

• Analysis of Option 1:
• In "The Author to Her Book", Bradstreet does use inversion to complete rhymes. For example, in lines like "I cast thee by as one unfit for light, / Thy visage was so irksome in my sight", the normal word - order might be "I cast thee by as one (who is) unfit for light because thy visage was so irksome in my sight". She inverts the structure to fit the rhyme scheme. And both poets do use couplets (two - line rhyming units) to link ideas.
• Analysis of Option 2:
• While both use couplets, Wheatley's main purpose in using couplets in "A Hymn to the Evening" is more about creating a song - like, praiseful structure rather than just for rhyme scheme and structure with inversion for general emphasis. Bradstreet's inversion is more about completing rhymes.
• Analysis of Option 3:
• Wheatley's use of couplets is not just an additional technique. Her couplets are integral to the hymn - like, praiseful nature of the poem, not just a secondary use as described.
• Analysis of Option 4:
• Bradstreet's use of couplets is not just for the overall rhyme scheme. She manipulates the structure (through inversion) within the couplets to complete rhymes, which is an important aspect not captured in this option.

Answer:

Both poets primarily use couplets to link ideas; Bradstreet uses inversion to complete rhymes.