The theme that can be inferred from both poems, “Grown-Up” and “The Unexplorer,” is that life never turns out as expected. In “Grown-Up,” the speaker reflects on the disappointment of their adult life compared to the expectations and aspirations of youth, feeling confined and mundane. Similarly, in “The Unexplorer,” the speaker is drawn to the allure of the unknown but is ultimately deterred by practicality, suggesting that life’s paths may not be as adventurous or fulfilling as one might hope. Both poems convey a sense of disillusionment with the realities of life versus the dreams or ambitions one may have had.
Read the poems “Grown-Up” and “The Unexplorer” by Edna St. Vincent Millay. What theme can be inferred from the details in both texts? Grown-Up Was it for this I uttered prayers, And sobbed and cursed and kicked the stairs, That now, domestic as a plate, I should retire at half-past eight? The Unexplorer There was a road ran past our house Too lovely to explore. I asked my mother once—she said That if you followed where it led It brought you to the milk-man’s door. (That’s why I have not travelled more.) (1 point) Responses One should live life to the fullest. One should live life to the fullest. Real life is better than idle dreams. Real life is better than idle dreams. Life never turns out as expected. Life never turns out as expected. Life is full of wonderful surprises.
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