Question

The speaker in "Journey of the Magi" says that the Magi (wise men) traveled all night, even though there were "voices singing in our ears, saying / That this was all folly." What does the speaker mean?

a.They were so tired that they sang to keep themselves awake.

b.Even when they were tired and had doubts, they remained faithful. c.Their journey was filled with singing and hopeful companionship. d.They sang to take their minds off the folly of their journey.

Answer 1

B is your answer because folly means foolish, so they probably felt like the journey was almost pointless. But they continued to travel because they had hope that the many miles they had traveled were worth it. 

Answer 2

The speaker means that B. Even when they were tired and had doubts, they remained faithful.

The "voices singing in [their] ears" were themselves, thinking of the doubts they have.