Question

perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
for old, unhappy, far - off things,
and battles long ago:
or is it some more humble lay,
familiar matter of to - day?
some natural sorrow, loss, or pain,
that has been, and may be again?
whateer the theme, the maiden sang
as if her song could have no ending;
i saw her singing at her work,
and oer the sickle bending;--
i listened, motionless and still;
and, as i mounted up the hill,
the music in my heart i bore,
long after it was heard no more.
a. the poem is strongly nationalistic.
b. the poem argues that high aspirations are good.
c. the poem focuses on mysticism and the supernatural.
d. the poem explores the inner world of an individual.

Explanation:

This excerpt is from Wordsworth's The Solitary Reaper. It centers on the speaker's internal experience: wondering about the reaper's song, being moved by it, and carrying its effect in his heart after leaving. There is no focus on nationalism, high aspirations, or mysticism; instead, it explores the speaker's inner response to the moment and the reaper's song.

Answer:

D. The poem explores the inner world of an individual.