“The Spanish Dancer” by Rainer Maria Rilke
As a lit match first flickers in the hands
Before it flames, and darts out from all sides
Bright, twitching tongues, so, ringed by growing bands
Of spectators—she, quivering, glowing stands
Poised tensely for the dance—then forward glides
And suddenly becomes a flaming torch.
Her bright hair flames, her burning glances scorch,
And with a daring art at her command
Her whole robe blazes like a fire-brand
From which is stretched each naked arm, awake,
Gleaming and rattling like a frightened snake.
And then, as though the fire fainter grows,
She gathers up the flame—again it glows,
As with proud gesture and imperious air
She flings it to the earth; and it lies there
Furiously flickering and crackling still—
Then haughtily victorious, but with sweet
Swift smile of greeting, she puts forth her will
And stamps the flames out with her small firm feet.
Use the poem to answer the question.
Which lines or phrases from the poem do NOT serve to develop the overall tone?
A.
“her burning glances scorch”
B.
“whole robe blazes like a fire-brand”
C.
“rattling like a frightened snake”
D.
“Furiously flickering and crackling”
E.
“Poised tensely for the dance”
E. “Poised tensely for the dance” does not serve to develop the overall tone as it simply sets the stage for the action that follows and does not convey any specific emotion or mood.
The lines or phrases that do not serve to develop the overall tone of the poem are:
C. "rattling like a frightened snake"
E. "Poised tensely for the dance"
The overall tone of the poem can be described as intense, passionate, and powerful. To identify the lines or phrases that do not serve to develop this tone, we need to look for ones that don't align with these characteristics.
A. "Her burning glances scorch" - This line contributes to the intense and passionate tone by describing the intense gaze of the dancer.
B. "Whole robe blazes like a fire-brand" - This line adds to the fiery and powerful imagery, reinforcing the tone.
C. "Rattling like a frightened snake" - Although it might seem out of place at first, this simile creates a sense of tension and adds to the intensity of the tone.
D. "Furiously flickering and crackling" - This description enhances the fiery and powerful imagery, maintaining the tone.
E. "Poised tensely for the dance" - This line sets the stage for the performance and contributes to the overall tone.
Therefore, all of the lines and phrases mentioned in the poem serve to develop the intense, passionate, and powerful tone.