Question

Which of these BEST describes a theme of this poem? A) loss of innocence B) nature's fury and power Eliminate C) pride in battle and death D) romantic love lost in battle

Answer 1

The correct answer is C) pride in battle and death.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Old Ironsides, Oliver Wendel Holmes is speaking about a battleship that has reached the end of its career.

The idea of pride in battle is reinforced in the first stanza with the lines "and many an eye has danced to see / That banner in the sky" symbolizing how this battleship has become a banner for freedom for many people.

Pride in death is evoked in the last stanza, when instead of being sunk in a calm sea, the poet invokes the god of storms and waves, so a brave sea would meet the battleship's demise.

Answer 2

The correct answer is C) pride in battle and death.

This is because of the battle description and focus on location for the ship's burial.