Question

prometheus unbound
percy bysshe shelley
messenger of ocean and oceans, and all spirits
but one, into fitting those bright and rolling worlds
which thou and i alone of living things
behold with sleepless eyes, regard this earth
made multitudinous with thy slaves, whom thou 5
regardest for know-worship, prayer, and praise.
and not, and liveandoes of and on heaven
with fear, and self-contempt, and barren hope
where now, who awe thy law, ayeless in hate,
wait the red hail, and thunders, to thy will, 10
like slaves who cower and fly from curses:
hope, withering, pines, yet sleeps not quenched;
and pity, veiled beneath their wrongs,
keeps her pale watch, nor murmurs nor upbraids;
and these will rise, remember, and oppose 15
the domination of thine and their tyrants
from their unmeasured mines, o mighty god!
almighty, but o heart of justice, wisdom, love!

• which statement best represents a central theme in the poem?

a gods are inherently superior
b never sacrifice yourself for others
c humankind is worth defending
d justice will come for every crime

Explanation:

The excerpt from Prometheus Unbound critiques gods who demand worship from humans, while humans endure suffering. Prometheus, a figure who defies gods to help humanity, frames the text around valuing human worth over divine authority. Option A is contradicted (the text challenges godly superiority). Option B is wrong, as Prometheus sacrifices for others. Option D is not the central focus here; the text emphasizes human value instead of universal justice.

Answer:

C. Humankind is worth celebrating