The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls

Question

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The tide rises, the tide falls,
The twilight darkens, the curlew calls;
Along the sea-sands damp and brown
The traveller hastens toward the town,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.

Darkness settles on roofs and walls,
But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls;
The little waves, with their soft, white hands,
Efface the footprints in the sands,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.

The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls
Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;
The day returns, but nevermore
Returns the traveller to the shore,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.

1) After reading the poem, what can you conclude about humans and nature?

A) humans can never really understand nature
B) humans have predictable patterns while nature does not
C) nature goes on forever but humans are only here for a short time
D) the power of nature can be used to improve human lives

2) Which line from the poem best supports the conclusion you drew in the previous question?

A) The day returns, but nevermore
Returns the traveller to the shore,
B) The morning breaks; the steads in their stalls
Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;
C) Along the sea-sands damp and brown
The traveller hastens toward the town,
D) Darkness settles on roofs and walls,
But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls;

I think the answers are 1) b and 2) a. Can someone please check my answers, thanks! (=

Answer 1

I disagree with your first answer. I do agree with your second answer. What does that line say about the meaning of the poem?

Answer 2

Ok, thanks, is it C then?

Answer 3

Yes! I agree with C. :)

Answer 4

Will anyone know that the traveller was there? Why/why not

Answer 5

Good