Question

the passing of the hours
by ella higginson
1 the hours steal by with still, unasking lips—
2 so lightly that i cannot hear their tread;
3 and softly touch me with their finger - tips.
4 to find if i be dreaming, or be dead.
5 and yet however still their flight may be,
6 their ceaseless going weights my heart with tears;
7 these touches will have wrought deep scars on me—
8 when the light hours have worn to heavy years.

1 steal: move quietly or surreptitiously
2 still: quiet

which statement best describes a theme developed in the poem?
a. human beings can control how quickly time passes if they want it badly.

b. remembering joyful moments can ease the pain caused by time.

c. time is most frightening when it passes loudly and suddenly.

d. the silent passing of time can lead to deep sorrow and regret.

Explanation:

To determine the theme, analyze the poem: Line 1 says hours "steal by with stealth", Line 7-8 mention "touches" (of hours) bringing "deep scars" and "worn to heavy years". Option D matches: the silent (stealthy) passing of time leads to deep sorrow/regret (scars, heavy years). Option A is wrong (poem shows time is uncontrollable). Option B: poem has no joyful moments relieving pain. Option C: time is silent, not "loudly and suddenly".

Answer:

D. The silent passing of time can lead to deep sorrow and regret.