Question

Read these lines from the poem and answer the question.

Answer 1

Read these lines from the poem and answer the question.

My hand draws back. I often sigh still

for the dark downward and vegetating kingdom

of the fish and reptile.

Question: What theme does Lowell imply with these lines?

Options:

• 1) Love of nature .
• 2) Fear of death .
• 3) Regret for what no longer exists.
• 4) Longing for light and beauty.

Answer: The correct answer is option: 3) Regret for what no longer exists.

Explanation: The poem presented above is called ''For the Union Dead'' written by Robert Lowell. In the following lines: ''My hand draws back. I often sigh still for the dark downward and vegetating kingdom of the fish and reptile,''  the speaker admits that he daydreams of the past when he would visit The South Boston Aquarium. It had been so neglected that there were no more fish in it.