In poetry, what does the term "persona" refer to?

• A. The poet's actual voice and style
• B. The emotion of the poem
• C. The character adopted by the poet to narrate
• D. The audience's interpretation of the poem

Answer: (C)

The term "persona" in poetry refers to the character that the poet adopts to narrate the poem. This concept allows poets to create a distinct voice that may not necessarily reflect their own personal experiences or feelings. By using a persona, a poet can explore various perspectives, emotions, and viewpoints that may differ from their own, enriching the poem's themes and adding depth to the narrative. This technique enables the reader to engage with the poem on multiple levels, as they analyze the persona's voice and the context in which it speaks. The ability to embody different characters contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the poem's subject matter and emotional landscape.