Question

Select the correct answer.
Here is an excerpt from Marianne Moore's "Poetry" in which Moore expresses her dislike for poorly written poems.
What does Moore mean when she says "imaginary gardens with real toads in them" in this excerpt?
A. Poets use abstract concepts because such ideas can be easily understood and make the poem universal
B. Poets use abstract concepts, so it is hard to determine the meaning of a poem.
C. Poetry is inconsequential because it combines ideas illogically, such as Imaginary gardens with real-life objects placed in them.
D. Poets should write at least one poem that includes a pastoral or romantic scene.
E. Poets must be able to inject real emotion into abstract concepts.

Answer 1

Answer:

E

Explanation:

She uses this phrase to contrast imagination with reality. She previously says poets must be able to be "literalists of the imagination" and she provides the best example of being one by using an imaginary scenario (the garden) and a real object (the toads). In sum, it can be said that according to Marianne, a poet must be able to genuinely convey a feeling of reality or an emotion, through imaginary or abstract scenarios.