Fossil
Flitting, flickering, flashing
black, white, and a note of red
passes beneath trees
that were already old at the end
of the Civil War.
The lovely departed species
announces its fearless
refusal to cease to be.
And as we stand in the awe of life's
determination, it hammers
its note of hope against the
dead dry bark that sleeves a meal.
Can an old being be resurrected?
Can a people be saved?
And at what cost?
Why is pecking at a tree described as hammering a "note of hope"?
A. The sound reminds people of someone building a new home for their families.
B. The sound is a reminder that the woodpecker must work to get its food.
C. The sound is a reminder that the woodpecker has survived against the odds.
D. The sound reminds people that the trees have been growing for a long time.
C
What is the tone of this poem?
A. mournful
B. celebratory
C. regretful
D. hopeful
D
I agree.
To determine why pecking at a tree is described as hammering a "note of hope," we can analyze the given context. The poem describes a woodpecker pecking at a tree, highlighting how it persistently continues its existence despite the odds. The phrase "note of hope" suggests that the woodpecker's actions symbolize a sense of resilience and perseverance.
Option A, "The sound reminds people of someone building a new home for their families," is not the correct answer because the poem does not mention any connection to building homes or families.
Option B, "The sound is a reminder that the woodpecker must work to get its food," is not the correct answer either. While it is true that the woodpecker pecks at trees to find food, this answer does not capture the poetic connotation of "note of hope."
Option D, "The sound reminds people that the trees have been growing for a long time," is not directly related to the "note of hope" mentioned in the poem.
Therefore, option C, "The sound is a reminder that the woodpecker has survived against the odds," is the most fitting explanation. It conveys the idea that the woodpecker's pecking is a symbol of the species' resilience and refusal to cease to exist. The "note of hope" captures the optimism and determination displayed by the woodpecker's actions.
Moving on to the second question, the tone of the poem is ultimately a subjective interpretation. However, based on the provided context, the most suitable answer is D, "hopeful." The poem portrays the woodpecker's actions as a symbol of determination and refusal to give up. The phrase "note of hope" further reinforces a positive and optimistic tone, suggesting that there is a chance for revitalization and salvation.