Question

The New-Year Babe

TWO together, Babe and Year,
At the midnight chime,
Through the darkness drifted here
To the coast of Time.

5 Two together, Babe and Year,
Over night and day,
Crossed the desert Winter drear1
To the land of May.

On together, Babe and Year
10 Swift to Summer passed.
"Rest a moment, Brother dear,"
Said the Babe at last.

"Nay, but onward," answered Year,
"We must farther go,
15 Through the Vale2 of Autumn sere3
To the Mount of Snow."

Toiling upward, Babe and Year
Climbed the frozen height.
"We may rest together here,
20 Brother Babe,—Good-night!"

Then together Babe and Year
Slept; but ere the dawn,
Vanishing, I know not where,
Brother Year was gone!
1. gloomy
2. a small valley
3. withered

What effect does the repetition of the phrase "together, Babe and Year" throughout the poem have on the poem?

A. The repetition of the phrase shows that Babe and Year always travel with one another.
B. The repetition of the phrase shows that Babe and Year meet during their travels.
C. The repetition of the phrase shows that always being present is a part of true friendship.
D. The repetition of the phrase shows that it is important to help one another in tough times.

Answer 1

The repeated phrase "together, Babe and Year" in the poem symbolizes the unbreakable bond between time and beginnings, making option A the correct interpretation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The repetition of the phrase "together, Babe and Year" throughout the poem reinforces the idea of the inseparable link between the passing of time and new beginnings. This repetition embodies the journey through the seasons, emphasizing that the Babe (a symbol for the new year or beginnings) and the Year are in constant companionship. Thus, option A is the correct interpretation, as it directly addresses that the phrase signifies the unbreakable bond between the two as they travel through time. The idea of them meeting during their travels or the significance of friendship and mutual assistance in tough times might be inferred but are not directly illustrated by the repetition itself.