Passage 1
An Introduction to Robert Frost
Robert Lee Frost was an American poet who used simple language to examine complex philosophical themes. Although he was born in San Francisco, he lived most of his life in New England and wrote about rural life in early 1900s. It was the command of American colloquial speech to write universal truth that made Frost an important national figure. By the 1920's, Frost had become the most celebrated poet in America. Frost was considered the American lyric voice. He was honored as a Poet Laureate, and awarded four Pulitzer Prizes, among other recognitions. Although Frost suffered in life and lost his important family members, he left verses that continue to give joy to readers.
Passage 2
My November Guest
by Robert Frost
My Sorrow, when she's here with me,
Thinks these dark days of autumn rain,
Are beautiful as days can be;
She loves the bare, the withered tree;
5 She walks the sodden pasture lane.
Her pleasure will not let me stay.
She talks and I am fain1 to list:
She's glad the birds are gone away,
She's glad her simple worsted2 gray
10 Is silver now with clinging mist.
The desolate, deserted trees,
The faded earth, the heavy sky,
The beauties she so truly sees,
She thinks I have no eye for these,
15 And vexes me for reason why.
Not yesterday I learned to know
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
But it were vain to tell her so,
20 And they are better for her praise.
Which statement best compares the author's purpose in "An Introduction to Robert Frost" and the poet's purpose in the poem?
A.
The first passage persuades readers to accept opinions; the poem shows a historical moment.
B.
The first passage relates universal experiences; the poem reveals universal truths.
C.
The first passage offers views of many people's lives; the poem describes one person's life.
D.
The first passage informs with real-life details; the poem appeals to the reader's emotions.