Question

Read this stanza from "A Psalm of Life." Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream!— For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not what they seem. What does the word slumbers most likely mean?

a. Doubts
b. Awakens
c. Sleeps
d. Blames

Answer 1

The word 'slumbers' in 'A Psalm of Life' is synonymous with sleeping, indicating a state of inactivity or disengagement from life.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the stanza from "A Psalm of Life," the word slumbers most likely means c. Sleeps.

The context of the stanza suggests that life is vital and should not be passed in a state of inactivity or unawareness akin to sleep.

It emphasizes the importance of being awake and engaged in life, metaphorically speaking, rather than dormant and disengaged.