Essay Questions

How does the poem ‘The Monument’ engage the readers?

The author of the poem "The Monument" uses hearing and sight imageries to engage her readers. Readers feel that they are part of the conversation between the two speakers in the poem discussing the monument. For instance, the critical question in the entire poem addresses the possibility of seeing the monument. Additionally, the speakers provide a vivid description of the monument depicting the sense of sight to readers. Consequently, readers are engaged through imagery which increases their concentration as they read the poem.

What is the primary objective of the poem?

The author's primary intention to write the poem 'The Monument' is to showcase how people see a similar object differently. For instance, two people looking at a similar thing can have different definitions and opinions. In the poem, the first speaker is convincing the second speaker to accept what he sees. However, the second speaker disagrees with the first speaker, arguing that the monument is useless and has no significance. Therefore, the author's opinion is that people can have different views because they think differently.

What is the symbolic meaning of the monument described in the poem?

The title of this poem is symbolic because it represents the significance of art. According to the reader, people have different views concerning the work of art, but the reality remains that art is an expression of one’s feelings. The author presents two speakers with differing opinions concerning the monument, but she concludes that art must be appreciated because of its significance to society.