Question

to one coming north
by claude mckay
1922
at first youll joy to see the playful snow,
like white moths trembling on the tropic air,
or waters of the hills that softly flow
gracefully falling down a sloping stair.
and when the fields and streets are covered white
and the wind-worn road is chilly, now,
or underneath a spell of heat and light
the cheerless frozen spots begin to thaw,
like me youll long for home, where birds glad song
means flowering lanes and leaves and spaces dry,
and tender thoughts and feelings fine and strong,
beneath a vivid silver-flecked blue sky.
but oh! more than the changeless southern isles,
when spring has shed upon the earth her charm,
youll love the northland wreathed in golden smiles
by the miraculous sun turned glad and warm.
what does isles mean? use the poem for context clues.
○ an open area of grassy land
○ an island or peninsula
○ to cover or surround something
○ a completely empty space

Explanation:

In the poem, "isles" is compared to the "Northland." Since "isles" are being contrasted with a landmass (the Northland), and considering common poetic and English language usage, "isles" typically refer to islands or peninsulas. The other options don't fit the context as well. An "open area of grassy land" doesn't match the contrast with the Northland. "To cover or surround something" is a verb form and the word "isles" is a noun. "A completely empty space" also doesn't align with the poetic description.

Answer:

an island or peninsula