Question

read the poem.
from maiden and river
maiden—river, why in ceaseless flow
must you ripple to and fro?
stop a while.
lonely on thy bank i stand,
on your shining, pebbly strand,
canst thou not a moment stay
through the long, long summer day?
stop a while.
river—child of earth dost thou not know
neer can cease my endless flow?
i must go.
onward till i reach my outlet,
out beyond the golden sunset,
seek not then to stay my flowing,
onward still i must be going
to my goal.
(from maiden and river by mary weston fordham)
which statement best describes how the structure of the poem contributes to its meaning?

1. the rhymes in the paired lines emphasize each speakers view about resting or moving forward.
2. the contrast of short and long lines mimics each speakers view about resting or moving forward.
3. in a long speech, one speaker presents two different viewpoints about resting or moving forward.
4. in each stanza, a different speaker expresses an opposing viewpoint about resting or moving forward.

Explanation:

The poem "Maiden and River" has two speakers: the Maiden and the River. The structure of the poem alternates between their perspectives. Each stanza presents an opposing viewpoint about resting or moving forward. The Maiden asks the River to stop (rest), while the River emphasizes its continuous flow (moving forward). This contrast in each stanza through opposing viewpoints is a key structural element contributing to the poem's meaning.

Answer:

1. In each stanza, a different speaker expresses an opposing viewpoint about resting or moving forward.