Question

What is the effect of Rukeyser's choice to write "Poem" in free verse?

Answer 1

Answer:

The poet only needs to worry about ideas, rather than rhythm and sound.

Explanation:

Remember that a free verse poem is not limited by regular meter or rhythm. This type of poems don't limit themselves to follow the conventional rhyme shedules. Although we are used to read things that fit in certain structures, we can see that the free verse poems allow the writer to fully express using all his/her imagination and creativity. The beauty of poetry is still found by the use of pauses and natural rhytmical phrases. In this case, Rukeyser gives a powerful message supported by strong ideas that make this poem unique, showing like no other the sensation of living on that time. The beauty of this poem is expressed by the ideas it develops, not by the rhymes or structure.  

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is "The poem takes on a conversational tone as if talking to a friend".

Explanation:

The poem "Poem (I lived in the first century of world wars)" by Muriel Rukeyser is written in a very personal manner. The poem covers vast ideas from describing routines, such as newspapers arriving and commercials, to deeper meanings such as "to construct peace, to make love, to reconcile". Rukeyser uses free verse in this poem in her benefit, because it gets the sense that she is talking to the audience, taking a conversational anecdotal effect.