Question

Up-Hill

by Christina Rossetti

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day's journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.

What is the poem about?

a) literally walking up a hill
b) Life is a struggle, but there is rest at the end.
c) You must not rest during life.
d) It is about her favorite bed-and-breakfast.

Answer 1

B), life is a struggle, but there is rest at the end. In the poem, Rosette discusses hardships “Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak” and finding comfort at the end of the road. She also uses a hill as an allegory for life, and shows how it is an uphill battle for everyone. She also discussed “Will there be beds for me and all who seek?” And she is again referring to “the end of the road” or the end of life.