By Fernando M.

Maramag

Thy glance, sweet maid, when first we met,

Had left a heart that aches for thee,
I feel the pain of fond regret-
Thy heart, perchance, is not for me.

We parted: though we met no more,

My dreams are dreams of thee, fair maid;
I think of thee, my thoughts implore
The hours my lips on thine are laid.

Forgive these words that love impart,

And pleading, bare the poet’s breast;
And if a rose with thorns thou art,
Yet on my breast that rose may rest.

I know not what to name thy charms,

Thou art half human, half divine;
And if I could hold thee in my arms,
I know both heaven and earth were mine.

“THE ROAD NOT TAKEN”

Answers:

1. In the poem, there are two roads that diverge in a yellow wood.
2. Yes, the difference between the two roads are in terms of appearance. One is grassy and
wanted wear, while the other is worn out.
3. If I were to choose between two roads, I would rather choose the less traveled road, the
one that seems to promise because something new and unknown because it feels like a
leap of faith that aligns with my desire for adventure and exploration. Still, I recognize
that this choice might not necessarily lead to a better outcome, and that the road I leave
behind could have held its own unique rewards.
4. I was drawn to the less traveled road because it provided a sense of individuality and
adventure, which influenced my decision. I am looking for a route that differs, even if
just slightly, from the ones taken by the majority of people. This quiet but strong longing
for something distinctive and individual speaks to me on a profound level.
5. There are two roads in the poem
6. I find the poem’s tone to be introspective and meditative. As I understand it, I feel the
speaker reflecting on a previous choice, considering its importance. There is a sense of
wistful regret, mixed with acceptance and maybe even pride in choosing the less
conventional path. The poem doesn’t express hopelessness; rather, it reflects a calm
acknowledgement of the outcomes of decisions.
7. The main theme of the poem centers around the contradictory nature of human free
will. It is a contemplation of the decisions one makes, the path chosen, and the
outcomes that ensue. It stresses that every choice, regardless of size, can influence one’s
lifestyle and perspective on everything. The poem encourages self-reflection on one’s life
and decisions, rather than offering easy answers or moral lessons.
8. The poem focused entirely on the intricate nature of human decision-making. It acts as a
reflection on the choices we make, the directions we take, and the outcomes that result.
It serves as a reminder that even the smallest choice can impact our life and how we see
the world. The poem does not provide clear solutions or a set moral, but prompts us to
contemplate our personal experiences and decisions that have brought us to our current
situation.

Unlocking of Difficulties

1. C
2. D
3. A
4. B
5. E

Answers:

1. The rhyming words in each stanza:

 Stanza 1: wood, stood, could, both, undergrowth
Stanza 2: fair, wear, there, claim, same
Stanza 3: lay, way, day, black, back
Stanza 4: sigh, I, by, hence, difference

2. The rhyme scheme of “The Road Not Taken” is ABAAB. This means that the first, third, and
fourth lines of each stanza rhyme, while the second and fifth lines rhyme.

3. The poem is structured into four stanzas, each with five lines. The poem is written in iambic
tetrameter, which means that each line has four metrical feet, with each foot consisting of an
unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

4. The road take by the author was the “less travelled” road. He describes it as “grassy and
wanted wear,” suggesting it was less frequented than the other path. However, he later admits
that the roads were “really about the same,” implying that his choice was ultimately a matter of
impulse rather than a well-considered decision.

5. The author realized that taking the less traveled road has made “all the difference” in his life.
But as he reflects on his choice, he acknowledges the possibility of regret, wondering about the
path not taken and the potential outcomes it might have held. He also expresses uncertainty
about the future, realizing that his choice has led him down a path with an unknown
destination. The poem suggests that the author has come to understand that every choice, no
matter how seemingly insignificant, has the potential to shape our lives and our perspectives.
It’s a realization that is filled with both a sense of pride in his individuality and a hint of
wistfulness for the path not taken.

Quizzes:

1. D
2. B
3. B
4. D
5. C
6. A
7. A
8. B

Evaluation
Essay:

Deciding between a high-paying but intimidating job and a lower-paying but more
flexible one is ultimately based on personal beliefs. In my opinion, the situation is quite simple: I
would choose the job with lower pay and fewer hours. My loved ones have top priority, so I
couldn’t imagine exchanging their companionship for any amount of money. I acknowledge the
allure of a lucrative salary and promising career growth is difficult to ignore, but the value of
quality time spent with loved ones is more significant than financial benefits. The idea of
sacrificing time with loved ones for career advancement is something I cannot afford to do. I
prioritize their joy and I wouldn’t want to assign a value to it.There’s also the fact that working
hard within a high-pressure environment can lead to stress and fatigue which can affect physical
and emotional wellbeing as well. I have a conviction that a proper equilibrium between work
and personal life is more productive and visionary in the long-term. By emphasizing family and
friends, I will be able to care for myself and stay optimistic which will help my wellbeing and
performance in any work, which I will undertake in future.

“INVICTUS”
 By William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeoning’s of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

“Hope Is The Thing With Feathers”

 by Emily Dickinson

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chilliest land,

And on the strangest sea;

Yet, never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.

“THE ROAD NOT TAKEN”

 Answers

1. I see two roads in the picture

2. Yes, I can tell the difference between the two roads. One looks “worn” and “grassy,” while
the other is “just as fair” but “less traveled by.”
3. If I were to choose between the two roads, I would choose the “less traveled by.” The poem
doesn’t explicitly state the roads are bad or good. It’s about the journey, the experience of
making a choice. The road less traveled by would likely lead to a more unique and perhaps
challenging experience.
4. I chose the less traveled road because it looked inviting and offered the chance to explore
something new. It felt like an adventure, even though I knew I couldn’t go back.
5. There are two roads in the poem.
6. The tone of the poem is reflective and contemplative. It’s about the speaker’s thoughts on
making a choice and the potential consequences. The poem is a personal reflection, not a
celebration or a lament.
7. The themes of the poem are choice, opportunity, and the impact of decisions on our lives. It
explores the idea of taking the less traveled path and the potential for both adventure and
regret.
8. The poem is about the choices we make in life and their impact on our journey. It’s a
reminder that every decision we make shapes who we become and the path we take. The
poem encourages us to consider the possibilities and to embrace the unknown, even with
the risk of regret

Unlocking Difficulties

1. C
2. D
3. A
4. B
5. E

Answers

1. The rhyming words in each stanza:

Stanza 1: wood, stood, could, both, undergrowth
Stanza 2: fair, wear, there, claim, same
Stanza 3: lay, way, day, black, back
Stanza 4: sigh, I, by, hence, difference
 2. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAAB. Which means, the first, third, and fourth lines of each
stanza rhyme, while the second and fifth lines rhyme.
3. The poem is a four-stanza poem with five lines in each stanza.
4. The poem doesn’t tell us which road the author actually took. It’s about the choice, not the
outcome.
5. The speaker realizes that life is full of choices, and each choice leads to a different path. He
reflects on the impact of the decision he made, even though he’s not sure if it was the “right”
one. He understands that every path has its own challenges and rewards.

Quizzes

1. D
2. B
3. B
4. D
5. C
6. A
7. A
8. B

Evaluation

Essay

Choosing between a well paying job which has long working hours and a poorly paying job which
has enough free time to relax, I would go for the job with the shorter work hours. Even though this
higher-paying position may create better prospects in my professional career, the most important thing
to me is being surrounded by family and friends. I respect people who know how to earn money, but for
me the ability to enjoy the company of loved ones is more important than earning more money. One of
the benefits of a job with shorter working hours is that I can participate in family functions, meet friends
and relax. I have come to the conclusion that one’s happiness can be influenced by the ability to balance
work and personal life. I would rather live a normal life and take care of my personal matters than be on
a constant stress and a heavy work load. Also, lower paying job would still give me time to indulge in
other activities or hobbies that I deem equally important as that of career growth. To conclude, I would
choose a position that allows me to be involved in my personal life alongside work. Money and career
progression are important but the real contentment in life is in being able to spend time with family and
practice self-care.