Question

Read the following poem and answer the question that follows: I sought a soul in the sea
And found a coral there
Beneath the foam for me
An ocean was all laid bare.
Into my heart’s night
Along a narrow way
I groped; and lo! The light,
An infinite land of day.
Which of the following would best capture the ESSENCE of the poem above?

• A. What lies ‘outside’ is always deceptive.
• B. Pursue the narrow path and avoid the broadways.
• C. External search is futile; explore the inner space for answers.
• D. Heart’s pathways are broad and clear to find the destination.
• E. Light offers sight and insight.

Hint:

In poetry-based questions, focus on the \textbf{central contrast or resolution} the poet presents. Here, the shift from an external ocean search to inner illumination shows the core idea of inner self-discovery.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Interpret the poem.
The poem begins with the search in the external world ("I sought a soul in the sea"), where the poet finds only superficial objects like "coral" and "foam." This highlights the inadequacy of looking for deeper truths outside.
However, when the poet turns inward ("Into my heart's night"), moving along an uncertain, narrow path, he discovers illumination and vast possibilities ("The light, an infinite land of day").
Step 2: Match with the options.
- (A) "What lies outside is always deceptive" — too extreme; the poem does not condemn the outside entirely, it only emphasizes deeper truths within.
- (B) "Pursue the narrow path and avoid the broadways" — narrow path is mentioned, but the focus of the poem is not simply on rejecting broadways; it is about inner exploration.
- (C) "External search is futile; explore the inner space for answers" — this perfectly aligns with the poem’s essence, contrasting outside search with inner discovery.
- (D) "Heart’s pathways are broad and clear" — incorrect, the poem speaks of a "narrow way," not broad pathways.
- (E) "Light offers sight and insight" — partially true, but does not capture the central contrast between external and internal search.
Step 3: Conclude.
The poem emphasizes that the real truth and enlightenment come from within, not from external searches. Hence, the best option is (C).
\[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer: (C) External search is futile; explore the inner space for answers.}} \]