Question

in this excerpt from the poem \thanatopsis\ by william cullen bryant, what is the meaning of the word list?
of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall,
and breathless darkness, and the narrow house,
make thee to shudder and grow sick at heart,--
go forth, under the open sky, and list
to natures teachings, while from all around--
earth and her waters, and the depths of air--
comes a still voice--yet a few days, and thee
the all-beholding sun shall see no more
a. lean
b. desire
c. listen
d. spread

Explanation:

In the context of the poem, the phrase "list to Nature's teachings" implies paying attention to what Nature is "saying" (through its elements like earth, waters, and air). The verb form that fits this context of receiving auditory or attentive input from Nature is "listen". "Lean" (A) would imply a physical posture not relevant here. "Desire" (B) doesn't fit the action of engaging with Nature's teachings. "Spread" (D) is about distributing something, which is not the action described.

Answer:

C. listen