Question

An Autumn Day
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Leaden skies and a lonesome shadow

Where summer has passed with her gorgeous train;

Snow on the mountain, and frost on the meadow –

A white face pressed to the window pane;

A cold mist falling, a bleak wind calling,

And oh! but life seems vain.

Rain is better than golden weather,

When the heart is dulled with a dumb despair.

Dead leaves lie where they walked together,

The hammock is gone, and the rustic chair.

Let bleak snows cover the whole world over –

It will never again seem fair.

Time laughs lightly at youth’s sad ‘Never,’

Summer shall come again, smiling once more,

High o’er the cold world the sun shines for ever,

Hearts that seemed dead are alive at the core.

Oh, but the pain of it -oh, but the gain of it,

After the shadows pass o’er.



"An Autumn Day" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Question
Use the poem to answer the question.

Which conclusions can be drawn about the speaker’s attitude toward autumn based on the poem’s use of imagery, tone, and figurative language? Choose all that apply.

(1 point)
Responses

The vivid imagery of golden light, calm air, and quiet fields suggests that the speaker views autumn as a peaceful and reflective season.
The vivid imagery of golden light, calm air, and quiet fields suggests that the speaker views autumn as a peaceful and reflective season.

The description of falling leaves as “messengers of doom” reveals the speaker’s belief that autumn symbolizes fear and destruction.
The description of falling leaves as “messengers of doom” reveals the speaker’s belief that autumn symbolizes fear and destruction.

The poem’s gentle, steady rhythm indicates that the speaker finds comfort in the natural cycle of seasonal change.
The poem’s gentle, steady rhythm indicates that the speaker finds comfort in the natural cycle of seasonal change.

The personification of nature—such as leaves “whispering” or winds “resting”—implies that the speaker feels a close emotional connection to the natural world.
The personification of nature—such as leaves “whispering” or winds “resting”—implies that the speaker feels a close emotional connection to the natural world.

The warm, appreciative tone toward autumn’s beauty suggests that the speaker sees the season as a time to pause and appreciate life’s small moments.

Answer 1

Correct answer: The poem’s gentle, steady rhythm indicates that the speaker finds comfort in the natural cycle of seasonal change.

Why:
- The speaker moves from bleak, despairing imagery of autumn/winter to consolation—“Time laughs lightly…Summer shall come again…Hearts that seemed dead are alive”—showing acceptance and comfort in seasonal renewal.
- The other options are incorrect because the poem does not celebrate autumn with “golden light, calm air,” does not call leaves “messengers of doom,” and the specific personifications listed (leaves “whispering,” winds “resting”) and a warm appreciative tone toward autumn do not appear in the poem.