Question

question 9 of 20

click to read \loveliest of trees, the cherry now\ by a. e. housman. then answer the question.

which piece of advice best states the theme of this poem?

a. cherry blossoms are prettier than any other blossoms.
b. you shouldnt waste your youth looking at cherry blossoms.
c. our lives go by quickly, so take time to enjoy each moment.
d. looking at cherry blossoms is a waste of time.

Explanation:

Analyze the poem's core message

A. E. Housman's poem "Loveliest of trees, the cherry now" describes a twenty-year-old speaker who realizes that out of an expected seventy-year lifespan, only fifty years remain. Because fifty years is a short time to look at things in bloom, the speaker decides to go about the woodlands to see the cherry trees hung with snow/blossoms.

Connect to the options

The speaker's realization that life is short and that one must actively seek out beauty and enjoy nature directly aligns with the "carpe diem" (seize the day) philosophy.

• Option A is too literal and misses the deeper philosophical theme.
• Options B and D contradict the speaker's actions and message.
• Option C accurately captures the theme of life's brevity and the importance of appreciating each moment.

Answer:

• (A) Cherry blossoms are prettier than any other blossoms.
• (B) You shouldn't waste your youth looking at cherry blossoms.
• (C) Our lives go by quickly, so take time to enjoy each moment. (Correct answer)
• (D) Looking at cherry blossoms is a waste of time.