Question
Hope
by Joseph Addison
In the poem, the speaker uses a metaphor to illustrate how problems can improve with time.
As you read, pay attention to the perspective of the speaker of the poem.
Our lives, discoloured with our present woes,
May still grow white and shine with happier hours.
So the pure limped stream, when foul with stains
Of rushing torrents and descending rains,
Works itself clear, and as it runs refines,
till by degrees the floating mirror shines;
Reflects each flower that on the border grows,
And a new heaven in it’s fair bosom shows.
___
Adapted from “Hope,” by Joseph Addison, Public domain.
Questions
“Our lives, discoloured with our present woes,
May still grow white and shine with happier hours.”
What does this excerpt show about the speaker of the poem?
The speaker is disappointed in their own life and does not believe it can change.
The speaker thinks that even when they try, life is full of failure.
The speaker is convinced that hard work is the most important thing in life.
The speaker believes that even during hard times, life is full of hope.
by Joseph Addison
In the poem, the speaker uses a metaphor to illustrate how problems can improve with time.
As you read, pay attention to the perspective of the speaker of the poem.
Our lives, discoloured with our present woes,
May still grow white and shine with happier hours.
So the pure limped stream, when foul with stains
Of rushing torrents and descending rains,
Works itself clear, and as it runs refines,
till by degrees the floating mirror shines;
Reflects each flower that on the border grows,
And a new heaven in it’s fair bosom shows.
___
Adapted from “Hope,” by Joseph Addison, Public domain.
Questions
“Our lives, discoloured with our present woes,
May still grow white and shine with happier hours.”
What does this excerpt show about the speaker of the poem?
The speaker is disappointed in their own life and does not believe it can change.
The speaker thinks that even when they try, life is full of failure.
The speaker is convinced that hard work is the most important thing in life.
The speaker believes that even during hard times, life is full of hope.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The correct interpretation of the excerpt is:
**The speaker believes that even during hard times, life is full of hope.**
The lines convey a sense of optimism, suggesting that despite present difficulties ("discoloured with our present woes"), there is the potential for improvement and brighter days ahead ("may still grow white and shine with happier hours"). This reflects a hopeful perspective that encourages resilience amidst challenges.
**The speaker believes that even during hard times, life is full of hope.**
The lines convey a sense of optimism, suggesting that despite present difficulties ("discoloured with our present woes"), there is the potential for improvement and brighter days ahead ("may still grow white and shine with happier hours"). This reflects a hopeful perspective that encourages resilience amidst challenges.