Question

identifying the subject of the poem

highlight repeated words and ideas within the poem.

im nobody! who are you?
are you nobody, too?
then theres a pair of us - dont tell!
theyd banish us, you know.
how dreary to be somebody!
how public, like a frog
to tell ones name, the livelong day
to an admiring bog!

what is the subject of the poem?

being a nobody
being part of a pair
being important
being friends

Explanation:

Analyze the poem's text and repetitions

The poem is Emily Dickinson's "I'm nobody! Who are you?".
The first stanza repeats the word "nobody" multiple times:

• "I'm nobody! Who are you?"
• "Are you nobody, too?"

The poem contrasts this state of "being a nobody" with the dreary, public nature of being "somebody."

Evaluate the answer choices

• "being a nobody": Directly aligns with the central focus and repeated keyword "nobody" in the opening lines.
• "being part of a pair": While a "pair of us" is mentioned, it is secondary to their shared status as nobodies.
• "being important": The poem criticizes being "somebody" (important/public) as "dreary."
• "being friends": The poem discusses a shared secret identity rather than friendship itself.

Answer:

• being a nobody (Correct answer)
• being part of a pair
• being important
• being friends