Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Why do you think that the speaker says that his poem is "all anyone needs to live" (25)? What claim is he making for the importance of poetry here?
- On the one hand, the speaker suggests that his poem is more valuable than material goods. On the other hand, he compares his poem to material things like a coat, a scarf, and socks. Does the speaker contradict himself in this poem? How can you tell?
- How is the refrain used in this poem? What purpose does it serve?
- What vision of the world does this poem present? Is the world a nice place or is it a scary place, and why?
- The speaker offers his beloved both love and poetry. Do you think the speaker gets anything back from his beloved? If so, what do you think he gets back?