Your analysis provides a solid foundation, but there are areas where you can deepen your insights and enhance clarity. Below is a refined version of your answer that better articulates the themes, the use of repetition, and the emotional resonance of each poem:
Step 1: Theme of "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" The theme of "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" by William Wordsworth revolves around the idea that one can find joy and solace in nature, even in moments of solitude. The speaker expresses how the beauty of the daffodils uplifts his spirits and brings him happiness even after the experience has ended. This is reinforced by phrases like “I wandered lonely as a cloud” and “my heart with pleasure fills.”
Step 2: Theme of "Still Will I Harvest Beauty Where It Grows" The theme of "Still Will I Harvest Beauty Where It Grows" by Countee Cullen focuses on the idea of finding beauty in all aspects of life, regardless of circumstance. It emphasizes resilience and an appreciation for the world around us, suggesting that beauty can exist in even the most mundane or difficult situations.
Step 3: Use of Repetition in Poem 1 In "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," Wordsworth uses repetition to underscore the poem's emotional depth. Phrases like “lonely” express the narrator's initial solitude, while words like “dancing” and references to “daffodils” emphasize the transformative effect that the beauty of nature has on his mood. The repetition of these concepts highlights the contrast between loneliness and joy, thus enhancing the theme of finding happiness in solitude.
Step 4: Use of Repetition in Poem 2 In "Still Will I Harvest Beauty Where It Grows," Cullen employs repetition to emphasize the perseverance in seeking beauty despite life’s challenges. The phrase “harvest beauty” coupled with the recurring mention of “beauty” reinforces the idea that beauty is always present, and it is a conscious effort to recognize it. This focus on harvesting suggests an active engagement with life, aligning with the poem's theme that beauty can be found anywhere.
Step 5: How Repetition Shapes Understanding of Themes The use of repetition in both poems significantly shapes the reader's understanding of their respective themes. In Wordsworth's poem, repetition evokes a poignant emotional journey from loneliness to joy, illustrating the power of nature to uplift the spirits. In Cullen's work, repetition serves to affirm the speaker's resolve and commitment to seeking out beauty in everyday life, reinforcing the message that beauty exists in all forms if one chooses to look for it.
Step 6: Emotional Resonance in Poem 1 The repeated phrases and imagery in "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," such as “daffodils,” which evoke images of vibrant, carefree flowers dancing in the wind, contribute greatly to its emotional resonance. The repetition of “lonely” juxtaposed with the joy of “dancing” creates a poignant tension that allows readers to feel the speaker’s journey from isolation to exhilaration. This imagery not only paints a vivid picture of nature's beauty but also mirrors the internal change within the speaker.
Step 7: Emotional Resonance in Poem 2 In "Still Will I Harvest Beauty Where It Grows," the repeated phrases like “harvest beauty” and “beauty” evoke a sense of determination and appreciation. The imagery of “harvesting” suggests careful gathering and intentionality, allowing readers to connect deeply with the speaker’s resolve to uncover beauty in all life’s circumstances. This contributes to the emotional impact by fostering a sense of hopefulness and resilience, urging readers to seek out beauty wherever they may find themselves.
In summary, your original answer captures the essential themes and basic use of repetition; however, incorporating deeper analysis and clearer articulation will enhance your overall argument and demonstrate a higher level of critical thinking.