Read these stanzas from Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poems.
"The Seedling"
"The Old Apple Tree"
Little folks, be like the seedling,
Always do the best you can;
Every child must share life's labor
Just as well as every man.
And the sun and showers will help you
Through the lonesome, struggling hours,
Till you raise to light and beauty
Virtue's fair, unfading flowers
Life for us ain't all been summer,
But I guess we've had our share
Of its flittin' joys an' pleasures,
An' a sprinklin' of its care.
Oft the skies have smiled upon us;
Then again we've seen 'em frown,
Though our load was ne'er so heavy
That we longed to lay it down.
But when death does come a-callin',
This my last request shall be,—
That they'll bury me an' Hallie
'Neath the old apple-tree.
How are the messages of these two poems similar?
Both poems encourage the planting of gardens.
Both poems suggest that childhood is precious.
Both poems insist that people can find satisfaction in life.
Both poems show the reliability of the changing seasons.
Both poems suggest that childhood is precious. Both poems insist that people can find satisfaction in life.
The messages of these two poems are similar in that both poems insist that people can find satisfaction in life. "The Seedling" encourages individuals, especially children, to always do their best and share life's labor, assuring them that with perseverance, they will develop virtues and beauty. "The Old Apple Tree" acknowledges the ups and downs of life but emphasizes the joys and pleasures, even amidst the sprinkling of care. It expresses the desire to be buried under the old apple tree, which symbolizes finding contentment and peace in life. Therefore, both poems convey the message that people can find satisfaction and fulfillment despite life's challenges.
To determine how the messages of these two poems are similar, we need to analyze the themes and tones of each poem.
In "The Seedling," the poem encourages little folks, or children, to always do their best and participate in life's labor just like adults. It suggests that with perseverance and the help of the sun and showers, children can grow into virtuous individuals and contribute beauty to the world.
In "The Old Apple Tree," the speaker reflects on the ups and downs of life. They mention experiencing both joy and care, sometimes being blessed by smiling skies and other times facing frowning ones. The poem also expresses a desire to be buried under the old apple tree alongside a person named Hallie, implying a longing to rest in a peaceful and familiar place.
Both poems share a similar message regarding finding satisfaction in life. "The Seedling" emphasizes the importance of striving for personal growth and virtue, while "The Old Apple Tree" acknowledges the various experiences life brings, both positive and challenging. Despite these differences, both poems suggest that people can find meaning and satisfaction in their lives, whether it be through personal growth or cherishing connections and memories.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Both poems insist that people can find satisfaction in life.