In at least 150 words, explain how the word choice in Rukeyser's "Poem" helps the author to establish a theme in the text. Use d

Question

Amanda

3 months ago

7

In at least 150 words, explain how the word choice in Rukeyser's "Poem" helps the author to establish a theme in the text. Use d

etails from the poem to support your response.

English

2 answers:

seraphim [7.4K] · Answer 1 · 2026-02-16T10:47:32+03:00

Muriel Rukeyser (1913-1980) was an American poet and activist known for addressing social justice, equality, and feminism in her work. Her poem, beginning with "I lived in the first century of world wars," utilizes careful word choice to reinforce her anti-war message:
"Slowly I would get to pen and paper,
Make my poems for others unseen and unborn.
In the day I would be reminded of those men and women,
Brave, setting up signals across vast distances,
Considering a nameless way of living, of almost unimagined values."
Through these lines, she expresses hope that her poetry would outlast her life, serving as guidance for future generations who might strive for peace and justice. She writes:
"We would try by any means
To reach the limits of ourselves, to reach beyond ourselves,
To let go the means, to wake."
This suggests passing responsibility to those who come after her, hoping they will become dedicated peacemakers.

Gnom [7.5K] · Answer 2 · 2026-02-16T10:47:17+03:00

Muriel Rukeyser was an American poet who devoted much of her life to activism, which is evident in her writing. Born in New York City, she often explored themes like feminism and social justice. Her poem titled "Poem" is composed in free verse. Throughout the piece, the speaker discusses the act of creation and pushing beyond one's limitations. The tone conveys uncertainty or limited knowledge about the future. Rukeyser carefully selects words to evoke this mood; for example, the line "Most mornings I would be more or less insane" sets a tone of instability. Other words like "careless" and "unseen" reinforce this semantic field. The poem also references boundaries in the penultimate line: "To reach the limits of ourselves, to reach beyond ourselves." These choices help establish the poem’s central thematic concerns.