Question

Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,

And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth,

Stealing my breath of life, I will confess

I love this cultured hell that tests my youth.

Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,

Giving me strength erect against her hate,

Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.

Yet, as a rebel fronts a king in state,

I stand within her walls with not a shred

Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.

Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,

And see her might and granite wonders there,

Beneath the touch of Time’s unerring hand,

Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand. Which of the following best describes the speaker's feeling about amserica? A. the speaker has experienced both good and bad things in america, and thus remains indifferent. B. the speaker despises america and has decided to speak out about their bad expericences. C. the speaker has a love- hate relationship with america, but ultimately has lost faith in their country. D. The speaker dislikes and has lost faith in american and believes that it will not last as it is.

Answer 1

C.

The poem shows a clear love–hate ambivalence ("I love this cultured hell") combined with a pessimistic outlook about America's future ("Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand"), so the speaker both loves and criticizes America and ultimately loses faith in its lasting strength.