Question

question 20 of 20
read these lines from \musée des beaux arts\ by w. h. auden.
... the ploughman may
have heard the splash, the forsaken cry,
but for him it was not an important failure;
which statement best summarizes the meaning of these lines?
a. suffering happens to everyone.
b. suffering occurs when everyone is watching.
c. suffering is part of the human condition.
d. suffering occurs while everyone else is busy living life.

Explanation:

To determine the best summary, analyze the lines: the ploughman hears a cry (suffering) but deems it unimportant, implying he is focused on his own life (busy living). Option A is too general, B is incorrect (the ploughman isn't watching), C is about human condition but the lines emphasize others being busy during suffering, not suffering as inherent. D matches the ploughman's indifference due to being occupied with his life while suffering occurs.

Answer:

D. Suffering occurs while everyone else is busy living life.