Passage II (Oliver Goldsmith, The Deserted Village, 1770, ll. 83–96)
In all my wanderings round this world of care,
In all my griefs — and God has given my share —
I still had hopes, my latest hours to crown,
Amidst these humble bowers to lay me down;
To husband out life's taper at the close,
And keep the flame from wasting by repose.
I still had hopes, for pride attends us still,
Amidst the swains to show my book-learned skill,
Around my fire an evening group to draw,
And tell of all I felt, and all I saw;
And, as a hare, whom hounds and horns pursue,
Pants to the place from whence at first she flew,
I still had hopes, my long vexations past,
Here to return — and die at home at last.
What does the poem say about the nature of the world?
Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B. It's full of care and hope
Explanation
The world is a 'world of care', yet the refrain 'I still had hopes' runs through the passage.