Question

what does this passage from “how do i love thee?” by elizabeth barrett browning mean?
i love thee freely, as men strive for right.
i love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
a. the speaker does not hesitate to love, and she loves with good intention.
b. the speaker thinks of love sarcastically, and secretly hates love.
c. the speaker is afraid of love because love has caused her pain in the past.
d. the speaker loves with some reservation, and she loves humble men.

Explanation:

The lines use similes: "freely, as men strive for right" shows unhesitant, principled love; "purely, as they turn from praise" shows selfless, sincere (good-intentioned) love. Options B, C, D contradict the earnest, positive tone of the poem excerpt.

Answer:

A. The speaker does not hesitate to love, and she loves with good intention.