"No, Thank You, John."

Question 1

What is this poem about?

Answer 1

The woman speaker firmly rejects a man named John who is persistently pursuing her romantically.
It explores gender dynamics and social expectations.

Question 2

What are the main themes in this poem?

Answer 2

Unrequited love and gender.

Question 3

When was this poem published?

Answer 3

In 1862, GM+other poems

Question 4

What is the main symbol in this poem?

Answer 4

The ghost

Question 5

What is the rhyme scheme of this poem?

Answer 5

ABAB, steadiness adds to the predictable, regular rhythm. Echoes almost, creating a sense of dialogue.

Question 6

What is the form of this poem?

Answer 6

8 quatrains.
Can be divided into two sections, the 1st address es John’s past actions, the 2nd speaker advises/ suggests with moving on.
It is therefore like a sonnet.

Question 7

What is the meter of this poem?

Answer 7

In each of the 8 quatrains, each contain a mixture of iambic rhythms.
Some are in iambic pentameter, some in iambic tetrameter, some in iamb trimeter.
These variations mimic the varying cadence of natural speech and prevents boredom to the poem.