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

In "A Psalm of Life," the term 'slumbers' refers to the concept of sleep, symbolizing inactivity and a lack of engagement with life's potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the stanza from "A Psalm of Life," the word slumbers most likely means to sleep. This interpretation aligns with the overall theme of the poem which encourages living life to its fullest rather than passively like a dream. In the context of the poem, to slumber symbolizes inactivity or not engaging with life's potential and opportunities.

The poet uses the word to emphasize that a soul that "slumbers" is missing out on the essence of life, suggesting that life should be lived actively and alertly rather than in a state of dormancy.