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Unit 8 · Reading Comprehension English · December 2024

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 is the mood of the poem?

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Optimistic and resolute

Explanation

Despite grief and 'vexations', the thrice-repeated 'I still had hopes' is steady and hopeful.

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