In American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin (2018), African American poet Terrance Hayes demonstrates his experimentation with form and convention in poetry by writing seventy sonnets, a typically traditional and restrictive form, with contemporary themes.Choice C is the best answer. The text mentions that Hayes wrote seventy sonnets with an unusual combination: contemporary themes in a traditional and restrictive form. The word “experimentation” means trial, and it properly reflects how the poet tried an unconventional writing style in his poems.
Choice A: “ignorance” means unfamiliarity. However, the text does not suggest that Hayes was unfamiliar with form and convention in poetry.
Choice B: “expertise” means proficiency. That he employed an unorthodox style in poems would not indicate his proficiency in poetry, but rather his creative spirit.
Choice D: “enthusiasm” means excitement, but nothing about Hayes' work in the text suggests that he was excited about form and convention in poetry.
✨ Expert's Tip ✨
Recognize the nature of his work, which was unorthodox and creative. Then, choose the answer choice that reflects what he did with form and convention to produce such a work.