“Experience” Poem Questions

1. In the poem, "they" refers to people who think they know what's best for someone else. These
could be parents, authority figures, or anyone trying to influence the speaker's choices. They
believe they're helping by giving advice or directions, symbolized by giving bread. But the bread
is described as bitter, indicating that what they offer might not actually be good or helpful. This
suggests that "they" might not truly understand what's best for the speaker, leading them to seek
their own path instead.
2. In stanza two, the speaker describes how her head feels tired after eating the bitter bread, which
implies a sense of mental exhaustion or weariness. Even though the poem explicitly mentions
how the heart feels hollow, it indirectly suggests that the head might feel burdened or
overwhelmed. This could be because the speaker is mentally processing the advice or directions
given to them, or it could reflect the emotional weight of realizing that the guidance they received
wasn't beneficial.
3.
a) The foods symbolize different kinds of experiences or guidance that the speaker encounters in
life. The bitter bread in stanza one represents advice or instructions that are difficult to accept or
follow. Bread often symbolizes sustenance or nourishment, but in this case, it's hard to swallow,
indicating that the advice given by others might be unpleasant or burdensome for the speaker. The
bitter and sweet fruits and breads mentioned later in the poem represent the various experiences
and choices the speaker encounters when they decide to follow their own path. Fruits and breads
often symbolize abundance, growth, and different aspects of life's journey. The bitterness and
sweetness of these foods reflect the mixed nature of life experiences—some are enjoyable and
rewarding (sweet), while others may be challenging or painful (bitter).the bitter bread in stanza
one is hard to swallow because it represents advice or guidance that's tough for the speaker to
accept.
b) The heart represents their emotions, feelings, and innermost desires. In stanza one, the heart feels
empty because the advice or guidance they receive from others (symbolized by the bitter bread)
leaves them feeling dissatisfied or unfulfilled. This emptiness suggests a lack of emotional
connection or resonance with the advice given to them. However, in stanza two, the speaker's
heart feels full because they choose to follow their own path and explore different experiences
(symbolized by tasting various fruits and breads). By following their heart and making their own
choices, the speaker feels a sense of fulfillment and completeness. The bitter bread is not as hard
to swallow in stanza two because the speaker has gained perspective and learned from their
experiences. They now understand that life offers a mixture of bitter and sweet moments, and
they are willing to accept both.
4. In stanza one, "Experience" means the lessons learned from a tough situation where the speaker
receives advice that's hard to accept. In stanza two, "Experience" means the overall journey of learning
and discovery as the speaker chooses to follow their own path and try different things in life. The narrator
of the poem seems like someone who wants to grow and learn. They're okay with facing challenges and
trying new things to understand themselves and the world better. They believe that by experiencing both
good and bad things, they can become wiser and happier.

5.
Letter from the Narrator's Parents:

Dear Princess,

We hope this letter finds you well. Your mother and I have been thinking a lot about your future and the
experiences that will shape you into a wonderful person. We want you to know that everything we do is
out of love and concern for your well-being.

You see, life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. We've been there, and we know how challenging it
can be to navigate through it all. That's why we want to guide you and offer you the benefit of our
experience. We want you to have certain experiences because we believe they will teach you valuable
lessons and help you grow into a mature and capable individual.

Yes, some experiences may seem difficult or bitter at first, but they often lead to personal growth and
resilience. By facing challenges and overcoming obstacles, you'll learn important life skills that will serve
you well in the future. Trust us when we say that we only want what's best for you.

So, as you embark on this journey called life, remember that we're here for you every step of the way. We
believe in you and know that you have the strength and courage to face whatever comes your way.

With all our love,

Mom & Dad
Letter from the Narrator to Her Parents:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I hope this letter finds you both in good health and high spirits. I wanted to take a moment to express my
gratitude for everything you've done for me and to share some thoughts with you.

Over the years, I've come to realize the importance of having my own experiences and making my own
choices. While I deeply appreciate the guidance and advice you've given me, I've also learned that there's
value in forging my own path and discovering who I am on my terms.

You see, each person's journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. While I
understand that you want what's best for me, I also believe that I need to explore and experience life for
myself in order to truly understand what makes me happy and fulfilled.

I know that this may worry you at times, but please trust that I'm making decisions with careful
consideration and a clear understanding of the consequences. I'm not afraid to face challenges or make
mistakes because I know that's how I'll learn and grow as a person.

So, as I continue on this journey of self-discovery, I ask for your love, support, and understanding. Know
that I value your wisdom and cherish the lessons you've taught me, but also recognize the importance of
carving out my own path in life.

Thank you for always being there for me, no matter what.

With love,
Your Princess