Final answer:
The correct answer is option a. The speaker in 'The Horses' exhibits a sense of reverence and deep appreciation towards the horses, which suggests the primary emotion is one of awe.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the poem "The Horses," the speaker's attitude toward the horses can be determined through the emotions conveyed within the text. While words like 'awe' and 'affection' are strong candidates, the context provided by the poem leans more towards a sense of profound respect and a deep, almost spiritual appreciation which suggests that the primary emotion is one of awe.
The poem describes a world that has suffered an apocalyptic event, and the horses that appear thereafter become symbols of a resilient, pure, and profound part of nature that has endured despite human folly. The use of vivid imagery to depict the horses, alongside reflective and almost meditative observations made by the speaker, underscores the reverence they feel for these creatures.
As they observe the horses and their interactions, there’s a silence and stillness to the scene that communicates a sense of wonder and profound respect.
Therefore, based on the provided information and understanding of the poem, the answer is: a. awe.