Question

which theme is addressed in both \we wear the mask\ and \a man said to the universe\?
people are vulnerable to the forces around them.
people hide their deepest emotions.
people have a duty to their communities.
people significantly impact their environments.

Explanation:

• In "We Wear the Mask", people wear a mask (hide emotions) due to societal pressures (external forces), showing vulnerability to social forces.
• In "A Man Said to the Universe", the man's assertion is met with indifference by the universe, highlighting human vulnerability to the vast, uncaring forces of the universe.
• Option B ("hide deepest emotions") only fits "We Wear the Mask", not the other poem. Option C (duty to communities) is not a theme in either. Option D (impact environments) is contrary to the poems’ focus on human vulnerability to external forces, not human impact.

Answer:

A. People are vulnerable to the forces around them.