Question

interpreting euphemisms
if, when hearing that i have been stilled at last, they stand at the door,
watching the full - starred heavens that winter sees,
will this thought rise on those who will meet my face no more,
\he was one who had an eye for such mysteries\?
-\afterwards,\
thomas hardy
read the passage. what is the meaning of the euphemism \i have been stilled\?
○ i am speechless.
○ i have died.
○ i have been abandoned.
○ i am lonely.

Explanation:

To interpret the euphemism "I have been stilled", we analyze the context. The line "those who will meet my face no more" implies a situation where the speaker is no longer present in a way that others can meet their face, which is associated with death. "Stilled" here is a euphemistic way to say "died" as it avoids the direct term for death. The other options (speechless, abandoned, lonely) don't fit the context of others no longer meeting the speaker's face.

Answer:

B. I have died.