In the poem “Life is Fine”, italicized lines work as the narrators reasons as to why he should not harm himself. The temperature of the water and how high up the elevator had taken him were decisions on why not to harm himself.
The italicized lines effect the way the poem looks and sounds by giving the words emphasis and a sense of imagery. For example, stating how high the 16th floor had shocked him and the temperature of the water.
The rhythm is affected by the repetition of lines and the inclusion of blues lyrics.
In relation to the content in the lines, the effects result in evoking a mournful tone and tempo. Such effects are common in the blues genre of music.
