Read the selection from Sara Teasdale’s “Open Windows,” and answer the questions.
[. . .]
I am alone with Weakness and Pain,
Sick abed and June is going,
I cannot keep her, she hurries by
With the silver-green of her garments blowing.
5 Men and women pass in the street
Glad of the shining sapphire weather,
But we know more of it than they,
Pain and I together.
They are the runners in the sun,
10 Breathless and blinded by the race,
But we are the watchers in the shade
Who speak with Wonder face to face.
Given your interpretation of the figurative language, what is the theme of the poem?
A. People who do not get enough exercise will often fall ill.
B. Illness in good weather is particularly miserable.
C. People who suffer without complaint grow stronger, not weaker.
D. Sometimes illness gives people a sharper appreciation of everyday life.
I cant figure it out plz some1 help
It's either B or D.
What do you think?
I honestly don't know ms.sue im confused :/
To determine the theme of the poem, we need to analyze the figurative language used by the poet and understand the overall message conveyed. Let's examine the key elements in the text:
1. The speaker is alone, sick in bed, and observing the passing of time and the changing season of June.
2. The speaker contrasts their own experience of illness with the joyousness of others in the street.
3. The speaker describes themselves and Pain as watchers in the shade and references their interaction with Wonder.
Based on these elements, we can infer that the theme of the poem is not necessarily about physical illness or exercise, but rather about the contrast between the experiences of those who are healthy and those who are suffering. The poem suggests that while the healthy individuals appear to be engaged in a race, rushing through life without deeply appreciating it, the speaker and Pain, despite their suffering, have the opportunity to observe and connect with the wonders of life.
Therefore, the most suitable theme among the given options is:
D. Sometimes illness gives people a sharper appreciation of everyday life.
This theme highlights the idea that adversity, such as illness, can provide a deeper understanding and gratitude for the ordinary aspects of life that healthy individuals may overlook.