Little Mermaid Poem Analysis

XAT 2022 · VALR · Medium · Poem Comprehension

Passage / data set

Read the poem carefully, and answer the TWO questions that follow.

It hurts to walk on new legs: The curse of consonants. The wobble of vowels. And you for whom I gave up a kingdom Can never love that thing I was. When you look into my past You see Only weeds and scales. Once I had a voice. Now I have legs. Sometimes I wonder Was it a fair trade?

Question 1 of 2

Which of the following statements BEST reflects the theme of the poem?

  1. A.

    Our concern for loss is more than what we gain.

  2. B.

    Our quest for love is accompanied with pain.

  3. C.

    Our loss of identity is irreparable.

  4. D.

    As the future unfolds, our distant past looks pleasant.

  5. E.

    Nostalgic recollection undermines materialistic gains.

Question 2 of 2

What does the author BEST mean by "Once I had a voice. /Now I have legs?"

  1. A.

    The poet is contemplative of his/her identity

  2. B.

    The poet has lost his/her speech

  3. C.

    The poet puts less value on the new world

  4. D.

    The poet's actions speak louder than his/her words now

  5. E.

    The poet is indecisive about choosing between the two worlds

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