Question

In “Mending Wall,” what is the figurative meaning of the speaker saying of his neighbor, "He moves in darkness as it seems to me”?

Responses

The speaker has turned his back on his neighbor.

The speaker has turned his back on his neighbor.

The speaker believes his neighbor's ideas are misguided.

The speaker believes his neighbor's ideas are misguided.

The speaker thinks his neighbor is evil.

The speaker thinks his neighbor is evil.

The speaker genuinely dislikes his neighbor.

Answer 1

In “Mending Wall,” the line "He moves in darkness as it seems to me” suggests that the speaker believes his neighbor’s ideas and attitudes are misguided or lacking in clarity. The phrase "moves in darkness" implies a sense of ignorance or an unwillingness to see beyond the literal barriers that the neighbor insists on maintaining. Therefore, the best response would be:

**The speaker believes his neighbor's ideas are misguided.**