which statement best describes the tones of the author to her book and a hymn to the evening?
Which statement best describes the tones of the author to her book and a hymn to the evening?
Answer: To accurately describe the tones of the author in “To Her Book” by Anne Bradstreet and “A Hymn to the Evening” by Phillis Wheatley, we need to analyze the emotional and stylistic nuances that each author employs in these works.
1. “To Her Book” by Anne Bradstreet:
In “To Her Book,” Anne Bradstreet adopts a tone that is self-deprecating and apologetic. The poem reflects her ambivalence and discomfort regarding the publication of her poetry. She personifies her book as an ill-formed child, expressing embarrassment and dissatisfaction with her work. The tone is marked by humility and a critical view of her own literary efforts.
Key Elements of the Tone:
- Self-deprecating: Bradstreet refers to her book as “ill-formed offspring” and “feeble brain,” indicating a lack of confidence in her work.
- Apologetic: The tone conveys a sense of apology for the perceived imperfections in her poetry.
- Humility: There is a strong sense of humility as she critiques her own work and expresses concern over how it will be received by others.
2. “A Hymn to the Evening” by Phillis Wheatley:
In “A Hymn to the Evening,” Phillis Wheatley adopts a tone that is reverent and celebratory. The poem is a tribute to the beauty and tranquility of the evening, as well as a reflection on the divine presence in nature. Wheatley uses vivid imagery and a serene tone to convey a sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.
Key Elements of the Tone:
- Reverent: Wheatley expresses deep respect and admiration for the natural world and its divine creator.
- Celebratory: The tone is joyful and appreciative of the evening’s beauty and calmness.
- Serene: The poem evokes a sense of tranquility and peace, reflecting the soothing qualities of the evening.
Comparison of Tones:
- Contrasting Emotions: Bradstreet’s tone is marked by self-criticism and humility, whereas Wheatley’s tone is characterized by reverence and celebration.
- Subject Matter Reflection: The tones reflect the subject matter of each poem—Bradstreet’s personal insecurities about her work versus Wheatley’s admiration for the evening and its divine elements.
- Stylistic Differences: Bradstreet’s tone is more introspective and personal, while Wheatley’s tone is outwardly focused on the natural world and its spiritual significance.
In summary, the best statements to describe the tones of the authors are:
- For Anne Bradstreet’s “To Her Book”: The tone is self-deprecating and apologetic, reflecting the author’s humility and critical view of her own work.
- For Phillis Wheatley’s “A Hymn to the Evening”: The tone is reverent and celebratory, expressing admiration for the evening and its divine beauty.
These tones highlight the distinct emotional and stylistic approaches each author takes in their respective poems.