Figurative Language
What is the figurative language in "Im where the x is marked, I arrived battle ready"
Metaphor
Give one thing you notice about the structure of the poem
It alternates between two speakers and two languages in short stanzas
What is the impact of the author adding spanish?
Adding Spanish shows their Dominican roots and highlights the gap between Xiomara and her mom.
What is the mood of the poem?
The mood of "Verses" in The Poet X is deeply frustrated and restricted, showing Xiomara's internal rebellion against the enforcement of her mother's religious expectations.
Why do you think the author wrote this poem with this structure?
To show the clash between Xiomara and Mami as they talk over each other without listening.
Why do the lines alternate from English to Spanish?
Each language represents a different person speaking at the exact same time. English is Xiomara's rebellious voice, and Spanish is her mom forcing religion onto her.
Name a figurative language you see that wasn't already mentioned
Allusion
Why is the poem in short little lines?
The short lines make the poem move fast, almost like a heated argument.
What Spanish prayer is Xiomara’s mom reciting, and why is she saying it?
She’s saying the Hail Mary (Dios te salve, María). She repeats it to try to "save" Xiomara and push away what she thinks are sinful thoughts.