Question

read the poem.there are 12 lines in the poem. the poem is numbered every 5 lines.thoughtswhat kind of thoughts now, do you carryin your travels day by dayare 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.5catch 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.10(\thoughts\ by mara vale 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 happiness2. by reassuring readers that there is still time to make their thoughts wiser and more loving3. by instructing readers that no matter who they are, their thoughts should be admirable and pure4. by advising readers that their thoughts should be kind toward all people, no matter who they are

Explanation:

The poem opens by questioning the quality of the reader's thoughts, then states a person is no better than their thoughts. It then instructs readers to control, refine, and purify their thoughts to make them honorable. This aligns with framing thoughts as a core measure of a person, urging them to be admirable and pure. Option 1 focuses on happiness which is not the central idea; option 2 emphasizes time to improve thoughts which is not addressed; option 4 narrows to kindness toward others, while the poem's scope is broader about pure, honorable thoughts overall.

Answer:

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