Bright Romanticism: American Individualism — Test

Question 3 • English III

How does the theme of "The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls" develop as the poem moves forward?

Answer

The poem’s overall theme changes from one that indicates an awe of nature to one that conveys a fear of it.

The poem begins by suggesting that humans live in harmony with nature, then contradicts itself by the end.

The natural imagery is developed throughout to indicate that nature continues long after humans do.

The poem starts with an indication of inevitability and ends on a note of transcendence.

Explanation

The repeated image of the tide rising and falling shows nature continuing in its regular cycle. As the traveler passes away and the footprints disappear, the poem emphasizes that human lives are temporary, while the sea and its rhythms endure. This develops the theme that nature continues long after humans do, which is choice C.

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