Question

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:

Analyze the poetic context

The passage is from Thomas Hardy's poem "Afterwards." The speaker contemplates what people will say about him after he is gone. The opening line reads: "If, when hearing that I have been stilled at last, they stand at the door..."

Identify context clues for the euphemism

We look at the surrounding phrases to understand "stilled at last":

• "stilled at last" suggests a permanent state of quiet or motionlessness after a lifetime of activity.
• "those who will meet my face no more" indicates that the speaker is no longer present or alive to be seen by others.
• The title of the poem, "Afterwards," refers to the time after the speaker's death.

Using our understanding of Denotation and Connotation and Word Nuance, the word "stilled" connotes the final peace and silence of death, rather than temporary speechlessness, abandonment, or loneliness.

Evaluate the multiple-choice options

• I am speechless: Incorrect. While "stilled" can mean quiet, the context of "meet my face no more" and "at last" points to a permanent departure rather than a temporary loss of words.
• I have died: Correct. "Stilled at last" is a gentle, soft way of saying someone has passed away (a classic euphemism for death), which aligns with "meet my face no more."
• I have been abandoned: Incorrect. There is no indication of being left behind by others; rather, others are looking at the heavens and remembering him.
• I am lonely: Incorrect. The poem focuses on remembrance after life has ended, not the speaker's emotional state of isolation.

Answer:

• I am speechless.
• I have died. (Correct answer)
• I have been abandoned.
• I am lonely.