by Elinor Wylie
Poets make pets of pretty, docile1 words:
I love smooth words, like gold-enamelled fish
Which circle slowly with a silken swish,
And tender ones, like downy-feathered birds:
5 Words shy and dappled, deep-eyed deer in herds,
Come to my hand, and playful if I wish,
Or purring softly at a silver dish,
Blue Persian kittens, fed on cream and curds.
I love bright words, words up and singing early;
10 Words that are luminous2 in the dark, and sing;
Warm lazy words, white cattle under trees;
I love words opalescent,3 cool, and pearly,
Like midsummer moths, and honied words like bees,
Gilded and sticky, with a little sting.
1docile: yielding to supervision or direction
2luminous: full of light
3opalescent: having a milky brightness
Which statement best summarizes the poem?
Responses
Poets like using rhyming words.
Poets like using rhyming words.
Poets use many word comparisons.
Poets use many word comparisons.
Poets describe nature with words.
Poets describe nature with words.
Poets enjoy using words to be creative.
Poets enjoy using words to be creative.
5 answers
The best statement that summarizes the poem "Pretty Words" by Elinor Wylie is:
Poets enjoy using words to be creative.
This statement captures the essence of the poem, which explores the beauty and variety of words through vivid comparisons and imagery. The poem illustrates the poet's affection for words and their creative potential.
You can infer from the poem that the author thinks words are comforting.
The poem expresses a fondness for words, using imagery that evokes warmth, beauty, and tenderness. The comparisons to gentle animals and bright, singing elements suggest that the author finds comfort and joy in the use of language.
The statement best supported by the poem is:
Some words can be pleasant, while others can sting.
This is reflected in the poem's imagery, where words are depicted as comforting and beautiful (like pets) but also include the description of "honied words like bees, gilded and sticky, with a little sting," indicating that while some words can be sweet and pleasant, they can also carry a bit of sharpness or intensity.
