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read the poem.

the lesson

by paul laurence dunbar

part a

how does dunbar’s word choice affect the tone of the poem?

he suggests a tone of resentment by comparing his misfortune with the happier fate of others.

he creates an inspired tone by contrasting depressing images with positive ones.

he sets a tone of desperation by describing things that he has lost in life.

he develops a relieved tone by describing ways he has learned to accept his fate in life.

question 2
part b

which lines from the poem best support the answer to part a?

"and i thought of myself so sad and lone, / and my life's cold winter that knew no spring; "

"my cot was down by a cypress grove, / and i sat by my window the whole night long,"

"of my mind so weary and sick and wild, / of my heart too sad to sing."

"in a strain to soothe his bleeding heart, / and he smiled at the sound of my voice and lyre,"