Question

Which of the following statements BEST reflects the theme of the poem?

• A. Our quest for love is accompanied with pain.
• B. Nostalgic recollection undermines materialistic gains.
• C. Our loss of identity is irreparable.
• D. As the future unfolds, our distant past looks pleasant.
• E. Our concern for loss is more than what we gain.
• A. The poet puts less value on the new world
• B. The poet is contemplative of his/her identity
• C. The poet’s actions speak louder than his/her words now
• D. The poet is indecisive about choosing between the two worlds
• J. The poet has lost his/her speech

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The central theme of the poem revolves around the search for love, which is portrayed as a deep human longing. However, this pursuit does not come without challenges — it is often intertwined with suffering, sacrifice, and disappointment. Thus, the poem highlights the paradox of love: it gives meaning and joy, but also brings pain and struggle.

Why Option 1 is Best 

• It directly expresses the core emotional conflict — the intertwining of love and pain.
• It is broad enough to encompass the emotional, personal, and reflective aspects of the poem.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

• Option 2: Focuses on nostalgia vs. materialism, which is not the poem’s theme.
• Option 3: Loss of identity is not the central concern of the poem.
• Option 4: Talks about past vs. future, but the poem is more about love and pain.
• Option 5: Overgeneralizes loss vs. gain; does not directly capture the theme of love’s struggles.

Key Takeaway

The poem reflects the duality of love: it is both a source of joy and a cause of pain. Thus, the best thematic statement is: “Our quest for love is accompanied with pain.”

Answer 2

The poetic line “Once I had a voice. / Now I have legs” uses symbolism to show a transformation of identity. Here:

• “Voice” symbolizes expression, individuality, or inner identity.
• “Legs” symbolizes movement, adaptation, or survival in a new world.

The poet reflects on how their sense of self has changed — they once defined themselves through expression and voice, but now they define themselves through action, adaptation, and existence. This shift leads to contemplation of identity — Who am I now, compared to who I was before?

Why Option 2 is Best 

• It captures the introspective nature of the line — thinking about past vs. present identity.
• Other options are too narrow (e.g., losing speech, indecision, or undervaluing the world) and miss the deeper theme of self-reflection.

Key Takeaway

The author’s lines emphasize a shift in identity and self-awareness. Thus, the best interpretation is that the poet is contemplative of his/her identity — Option 2.