Reality and Cynicism in Poetry

Question 1

What is a main theme of Dunbar's first stanza? ✔ Some people are forced to hide their suffering.Humankind is helpless against society.X Pain is part of the human condition.What is a main theme of Crane's poem? Humankind is inherently selfish.The universe is cruel.✔ The universe is indifferent to humankind.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: ✔ Some people are forced to hide their suffering.; C: X Pain is part of the human condition.

Question 2

How do the themes of both poems reflect the beliefs of naturalism? Both show humans' need to deceive themselves.Both show that humans are self-absorbed. ✔ Both show humans' helplessness in the face of external forces.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: ✔ Both show humans' helplessness in the face of external forces.

Question 3

Compare the themes of the two poems.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: Dunbar's poem examines African Americans' place in society; Crane's poem examines humankind's place in the universe.

Question 4

Contrast the themes of the two poems.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D: Dunbar's poem focuses on societal forces; Crane's poem focuses on environmental forces.

Reality and Cynicism in Poetry Answers

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