Essay Questions

What does the speaker of "B (If I Should Have a Daughter)" suggest is the remedy for heartbreak?

The speaker of this poem says that she will always "keep an extra supply of chocolate and rain boats nearby," in case her daughter experiences heartbreak. She suggests that chocolate can heal any heartbreak, but then states that actually "there are a few heartbreaks chocolate can't fix." She speaker instead advocates that only time can truly heal someone, but chocolate might help.

What life advice does Kay offer in "B (If I Should Have A Daughter)"?

In this poem, the speaker offers lots of life advice to her speaker. She advocates a realistic but sympathetic view of the world, for example, she states that heartbreak and suffering are inevitable:

"She's gonna learn that this life will hit you, hard, in the face, wait for you to get back up so it can kick you in the stomach."

However, Kay also advocates a sense of gratitude and appreciation. For example, she writes:

"I want you to know that this world is made out of sugar. It can crumble so easily but don't be afraid to stick your tongue out and taste it."

How does Kay describe love in "The Type?"

In "The Type," Kay describes love as being like "discovering the ocean after years of puddle jumping." Here, she is emphasizing the depth and emotional intensity of love, comparing it to the vast ocean.

Kay also describes love as "realizing you have hands," suggesting that there is a real sense of empowerment and new awareness that comes from being in love.