Reality and Cynicism in Poetry Answers

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Which best describes a theme of "A Man Said to the Universe"?

Societal forces play a major role in forming an individual.

Individuals should accept their circumstances.

The universe is indifferent to human concerns.

Science is more powerful than human behavior.

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Which lines from "Sympathy" best express the idea that the speaker can relate to the caged bird’s plight?

“When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass,And the river flows like a stream of glass;”

“When the first bird sings and the first bud opes,And the faint perfume from its chalice steals—”

“I know why the caged bird beats his wingTill its blood is red on the cruel bars;”

“When he beats his bars and he would be free;It is not a carol of joy or glee,”

Which line from the first stanza of “We Wear the Mask” most effectively uses irony to show social conflict?

“It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,” because the mask covers many human features.

“This debt we pay to human guile,” because only those who are clever are able to hide their emotions.

“With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,” because those humans who are most in pain often cover their hurt and are thus ignored.

“And mouth with myriad subtleties,” because it is difficult to interpret the many ways humans use their faces to communicate.

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