What role does the speaker play in a poem?

The speaker in a poem is vital because they are the voice that tells the story or conveys the poem's message. This voice can embody a specific character, represent a particular viewpoint, or express emotions and thoughts that relate to the central themes of the poem. By serving this role, the speaker guides the reader through the narrative or argument presented, helping to establish mood, tone, and perspective.

While other roles are indeed important, such as providing context or analyzing the poem, those functions do not encapsulate the primary role of the speaker, which is to effectively communicate the core ideas and emotional resonance of the poem.