Thoughts

Question

What kind of thoughts now, do you carry
In your travels day by day
Are they bright and lofty visions,
Or neglected, gone astray?

Matters not how great in fancy,
Or what deeds of skill you've wrought;
Man, though high may be his station,
Is no better than his thoughts.

Catch your thoughts and hold them tightly,
Let each one an honor be;
Purge them, scourge them, burnish brightly,
Then in love set each one free.



("Thoughts" by Myra Viola Wilds)

Question
How does the speaker develop the central idea in the poem?

Answer options with 4 options
1.
by warning readers that the quality of their thoughts can greatly affect their happiness

2.
by reassuring readers that there is still time to make their thoughts wiser and more loving

3.
by instructing readers that no matter who they are, their thoughts should be admirable and pure

4.
by advising readers that their thoughts should be kind toward all people, no matter who they are

Answer 1

The speaker develops the central idea in the poem primarily through the notion that the quality of a person's thoughts holds significant importance, regardless of their social status or accomplishments. The poem emphasizes that a person is defined by their thoughts and encourages readers to actively refine and elevate their thoughts.

The best answer option that reflects this development is:

3. by instructing readers that no matter who they are, their thoughts should be admirable and pure.

This option captures the essence of the poem's message about the importance of cultivating worthy thoughts, which the speaker articulates throughout the work.