Question

15 at me, daring
me
to answer incorrectly.
i will like kofi offin
to answer the question, please, he says.
20 dunwōtwe, i proudly answer,
standing among
my classmates, smiling
like i just bit into
the sweetest mango.
25 i do not see
the lightning
almost slice
the skin
from my palm,
30 but i do feel the scorch
of the rod
across my hand
and in my bones.
i even taste its sting
35 in my mouth.
queens english, please, mr. phillip says,
as calm as rain, like
he did not just attack me
with his jagged cane.
in the last stanza, what is the significance of
the protagonist trying not to cry?
○ it suggests he does not enjoy the challenges of learning,
especially mathematics.
○ it indicates his appreciation of the teachers high
expectations for his future.
○ it shows his desire to cause a disruptive scene in the
classroom.
○ it shows his effort to maintain dignity and strength in a
challenging situation.

Explanation:

The poem depicts the protagonist enduring physical punishment (the rod's scorch) in a classroom. Trying not to cry reflects his attempt to stay composed, preserve his self-respect, and show resilience through a difficult, humiliating moment, which aligns with this option. The other options are inconsistent with the text: he answered correctly and smiled proudly earlier (ruling out A), the teacher is punishing him not expressing high expectations (ruling out B), and he is avoiding disruption, not seeking it (ruling out C).

Answer:

D. It shows his effort to maintain dignity and strength in a challenging situation.