Question

there are 12 lines in the poem. the poem is numbered every 5 lines.
thoughts
what kind of thoughts now, do you carry
in your travels day by day
are they bright and lofty visions,
or neglected, gone astray?
matters not how great in fancy,
or what deeds of skill youve wrought;
man, though high may be his station,
is no better than his thoughts.
catch your thoughts and hold them tightly.
let each one an honor be;
purge them, scourge them, burnish brightly,
then in love set each one free.
(\thoughts\ by myra viola wilds)
how does the speaker develop the central idea in the poem?

1. by warning readers that the quality of their thoughts can greatly affect their happiness
2. by reassuring readers that there is still time to make their thoughts wiser and more loving
3. by instructing readers that no matter who they are, their thoughts should be admirable and pure
4. by advising readers that their thoughts should be kind toward all people, no matter who they are

Explanation:

The poem first questions the reader's current thoughts, then emphasizes that deeds and station matter less than thoughts, and finally instructs readers to curate their thoughts to be honorable, pure, and free. This aligns with guiding readers to have admirable, pure thoughts regardless of their identity. Option 1 focuses on happiness, which is not the poem's central focus. Option 2 emphasizes "still time to change thoughts," which is not the core message. Option 4 focuses on kindness, which is not the main instruction; the poem focuses on honor, purity, and intentional thought curation.

Answer:

1. by instructing readers that no matter who they are, their thoughts should be admirable and pure