Here's how the delivery of a specific line contributes to the poem's meaning:
The Line: The line in question is likely: "I'm going to buy a bike, and then I'm going to get a job, and I'm going to buy you a house and then you'll have everything you ever wanted"
The Turning Point:
* Naivete and Hope: This line, delivered by the young Gary Soto, reveals his innocence and yearning for a better life for his family. It shows his belief in his own potential and the power of hard work to achieve their dreams.
* Contrasting Realities: The line is followed by the poem's ending, which describes the harsh realities of his family's situation. They are poor, and his family is struggling. This contrast between his innocent hopes and the harsh realities of their life creates a powerful sense of irony and bittersweetness.
* Shift in Tone: The line is delivered with a sense of optimism and hope, but the following lines shift the poem's tone to one of melancholy and resignation. This abrupt change in mood emphasizes the difficult reality of poverty and the struggle to escape it.
Overall Impact: This line, through its delivery and the contrast it creates, acts as a turning point in the poem by:
* Highlighting the divide between the young Gary's innocent dreams and the harsh realities of his life.
* Illustrating the bittersweet nature of hope in the face of hardship.
* Emphasizing the poem's theme of poverty and the struggles of working-class families.
While the poem lacks a traditional plot structure with a dramatic turning point, this line, through its juxtaposition with the subsequent lines, creates a powerful shift in meaning and emotion, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.