Which of the following inferences is most strongly supported by the following stanzas taken from the poem?

The Brain – is wider than the Sky –
For – put them side by side –
The one the other will contain
With ease – and You – beside
The Brain is deeper than the sea –
For – hold them – Blue to Blue –
The one the other will absorb –
As Sponges – Buckets – do –
The Brain is just the weight of God –
For – Heft them – Pound for Pound –
And they will differ – if they do –

Correct option is B

Explanation:

The use of dashes in the poem by Emily Dickinson is a signature feature that creates a specific rhythm and tone. The dashes in these stanzas are not used simply to create pauses but to slow the pace of the poem and give the speaker’s voice a sense of hesitation, as if they are thinking and unsure about their next thought. The hesitation, interruption, and the pause created by the dashes reflect the deliberate, contemplative nature of the speaker’s exploration of the mind, a theme central to the poem.

The dashes allow for the poem to unfold slowly, creating a sense of unease and uncertainty, as if the speaker is grappling with ideas and trying to come to terms with something profound, such as the vastness of the mind and the infinite nature of the brain. The hesitant tone also adds to the reflective and philosophical quality of the poem.

Thus, the dashes slow down the rhythm of the poem, which enhances the meditative nature of the speaker's observations, especially regarding the boundaries of the brain and the mysterious nature of the mind.
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Information Booster:

Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) is one of America’s most iconic poets. Known for her unconventional style and introspective themes, Dickinson’s poetry is marked by its brevity, use of dashes, and its exploration of inner thoughts and spirituality. Her works often reflect on themes of life, death, and the nature of existence.

- The poem in question is part of Dickinson's meditations on the human mind. The lines examine the nature of the brain and its infinite capacity, equating it to the vastness of the sky and the depths of the sea.

- The comparison implies that the brain has the ability to contain and comprehend the vastness of the universe in a way that seems paradoxical, reflecting the boundless potential of human thought.

- The use of dashes is characteristic of Dickinson's distinctive writing style, where they act as pauses, creating moments of reflection and ambiguity. In this poem, the dashes create a deliberate uncertainty, emphasizing the mystery and complexity of the human mind.

- Summary of the Poem:

The poem compares the brain to nature—specifically, the sky and the sea—to underscore its infinite capacity.

The poem suggests that the mind can contain everything, just as sponges absorb water and the ocean absorbs the rain. T

he final lines of the poem, where Dickinson compares the weight of the brain to that of God, suggest the immense power and significance of the human mind.

Yet, despite its vastness, the poem acknowledges the mystery of the brain's full potential, leaving the true nature of thought open to interpretation.