Question

1. review your copy of the poem \becky,\ paying close attention to how the piece starts and ends. what effect is created by the repetition of very similar images in \becky\?

it makes the prose poem sound more like a poem and less like a story.
it makes the piece sound more like the work of other early modernists.
the conflict in the piece is resolved by the repetition of the earlier scene.
the mood and tone of the poem changes as the images take on more meaning.

Explanation:

Analyze the structure of "Becky"

Using the Jean Toomer Literature knowledge point, we examine "Becky," a prominent prose poem from Toomer's modernist masterpiece Cane. The piece begins and ends with highly repetitive, rhythmic descriptions of Becky's cabin built on the narrow strip of land between the road and the railroad track. This circular structural framing is a defining feature of Toomer's experimental prose poetry.

Evaluate the effect of repetition

Using the Theme Analysis and Textual Evidence knowledge points, we analyze the specific effect of repeating these images. At the beginning, the imagery of Becky's cabin and the community's reaction establishes a haunting, rhythmic, and song-like quality. By repeating very similar images and refrains at the end (such as the chimney falling and the low, rhythmic murmuring), Toomer reinforces the poetic rhythm. This repetition blurs the line between narrative prose and lyric poetry, making the prose poem sound more like a poem and less like a conventional short story.

Assess the incorrect options

• Option 2 is incorrect because the repetition is a specific stylistic device of Toomer's lyricism rather than an imitation to sound like other early Modernists.
• Option 3 is incorrect because the conflict (racial division, isolation, and Becky's tragic existence) is not resolved; the repetition emphasizes a cycle of neglect and tragedy rather than resolution.
• Option 4 is incorrect because the overall somber, haunting mood and tone remain consistently tragic throughout the piece rather than undergoing a fundamental shift.

Answer:

• (A) It makes the prose poem sound more like a poem and less like a story. (Correct answer)
• (B) It makes the piece sound more like the work of other early Modernists.
• (C) The conflict in the piece is resolved by the repetition of the earlier scene.
• (D) The mood and tone of the poem changes as the images take on more meaning.