The structure of the poem, with its repeated refrain "who knows, who knows?" emphasizes a sense of uncertainty and longing, suggesting that while the speaker feels a deep connection to their love and the beauty of life, there is an underlying sadness and loss as those joys fade away. Each stanza follows a consistent pattern, reinforcing the cyclical nature of hope and despair.
A Song
by Paul Lawrence Dunbar
Thou art the soul of a summer’s day,
Thou art the breath of the rose.
But the summer is fled
And the rose is dead
Where are they gone, who knows, who knows?
Thou art the blood of my heart o’ hearts,
Thou art my soul’s repose,
But my heart grows numb
And my soul is dumb
Where are thou, love, who knows, who knows?
Thou art the hope of my after years—
Sun for my winter snows
But the years go by
‘Neath a clouded sky.
Where shall we meet, who knows, who knows?
"A Song" by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Question
Use the poem to answer the question.
In 1–2 sentences, explain a conclusion that can be drawn about the poem based on its structure.
(2 points)
1 answer