Question

PLEASE HELP ASAP

by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Deep in the man sits fast his fate
To mould his fortunes, mean or great:
Unknown to Cromwell* as to me
Was Cromwell’s measure or degree;
Unknown to him as to his horse,
If he than his groom be better or worse.
He works, plots, fights, in rude affairs,
With squires, lords, kings, his craft compares,
Till late he learned, through doubt and fear,
Broad England harbored not his peer:
Obeying time, the last to own
The Genius from its cloudy throne.
For the prevision is allied
Unto the thing so signified;
Or say, the foresight that awaits
Is the same Genius that creates.

*Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658): an English political and military leader
1. What does the author’s allusion to Cromwell show?

Group of answer choices

A man may not always be aware of his potential.

Courage is a common trait among leaders.

A nation does not always follow a strong leader.

2. Honesty is what makes a man great.
To what does Genius in lines 12 and 16 MOST likely refer?

Group of answer choices

fate

a king

Cromwell

a groom

Answer 1

1. What does the author's allusion to Cromwell show?

A man may not be always aware of his potential.

2. Honesty is what makes a man great. To what does Genius in lines 12 ans 16 MOST likely refer?

It most likely refers to "Fate."

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Ralph Waldo Emerson (19th century)- He was an American essayist and poet who favored the political philosophy of "Individualism." He supported this philosophy by writing many essays and poems. He also made a powerful poem entitled "Fate," which cited Oliver Crowell's fate. Oliver Cromwell was a political leader who served as the head of the state of Scotland, Ireland and England.

His poem shows that "A man may not always be aware of his full potential" just as Cromwell did. Cromwell was known for his brutality and killings, especially in Ireland. He was indeed powerful, but he never used it in the right way. He was also regarded as a "hypocrite," for he showed ruthlessness in order to possess power and this contradicted the Puritan's belief.

2. The "Genius" being referred here is "Fate."

The Genius from its cloudy throne. = the "cloudy throne" in this line refers to Cromwell's position as the head of state. It is "cloudy" because his being in the position isn't a good reflection of him as a leader. He wasn't well-trained, especially that he had nor formal training when it comes to strategies in military war. This means his fate was not very clear.

Or say, the foresight that awaits, Is the same Genius that creates. = the foresight here refers to the future. The same Genius refers to, again, Fate. Although Cromwell wasn't really suitable to be a leader at the beginning, especially that he wasn't that rich. With hard work, energy and desire for power, he was able to achieve his goals. There are some forces and situations around him which controlled his fate. This means that we cannot change our fate or destiny. There are things which man cannot control and it just comes naturally, thus leading to our fate.