Instructions

Read the following poem and answer the TWO questions that follow.

In the darkened room
a woman
cannot find her reflection in the mirror
waiting as usual
at the edge of sleep
In her hands she holds
the oil lamp
whose drunken yellow flames
know where her lonely body hides

Question 61

Which of the following statements BEST conveys the theme of the poem?

Solution

Let's consider each option individually:

Option A: This would be too literal interpretation of the poem, the poem must have a theme much deeper than living conditions of a woman. 

Option B: While this is more subtextual, the poem does not show any feelings of "frustration" by the woman. We can look for a better option. 

Option C: It would be incorrect to say the poem "celebrates' and calls the woman's life meaningless. 

Option D: While this comes close, none of the aspects hint at the woman's liberty being controlled in some manner. 

Option E: This would best convey the poem's theme. It is conveyed through the imagery of her inability to find her reflection in the mirror, symbolizing a disconnect with herself or her identity. The imagery of the “darkened room”, the “mirror” where she can’t see her reflection, and the “drunken yellow flames” of the oil lamp that “know where her lonely body hides” all suggest a sense of isolation and alienation.

Therefore, Option E is the correct answer. 


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