Direction : Read the following poem and answer the question that follow

Now joy is born of parents poor,
And pleasure of our richer kind;
Though pleasure's free she cannot sing
As sweet a song as joy confined.

Pleasure's a Moth that sleeps by day
And dances by false glare at night;
But joy's a Butterfly, that loves
To spread it wings in Nature's light.

Joy's Like a Bee that gently sucks
Away on blossoms its sweet hour;
But pleasure's like a greedy wasp,
That plums and cherries would devour.

Joy's like a Lark that lives alone,
Whose ties are very strong though few;
But Pleasure like a Cuckoo roams,
Makes much acquaintance no friends true.

Joy from her heart doth sing at home,
With little care if others hear;
But pleasure then is cold and dumb,
And sings and laughs with strangers near

What is the central idea of the poem?

Question

Direction : Read the following poem and answer the question that follow

Now joy is born of parents poor,
And pleasure of our richer kind;
Though pleasure's free she cannot sing
As sweet a song as joy confined.

Pleasure's a Moth that sleeps by day
And dances by false glare at night;
But joy's a Butterfly, that loves
To spread it wings in Nature's light.

Joy's Like a Bee that gently sucks
Away on blossoms its sweet hour;
But pleasure's like a greedy wasp,
That plums and cherries would devour.

Joy's like a Lark that lives alone,
Whose ties are very strong though few;
But Pleasure like a Cuckoo roams,
Makes much acquaintance no friends true.

Joy from her heart doth sing at home,
With little care if others hear;
But pleasure then is cold and dumb,
And sings and laughs with strangers near

What is the central idea of the poem?

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

This poem presents a comprehensive and extended comparison between "Joy" and "Pleasure," which are often mistakenly treated as synonyms. The central idea of the poem, therefore, is to contrast these two concepts and ultimately argue for the superior quality and deeper value of joy over mere pleasure. The poet uses vivid, parallel imagery throughout the five stanzas to build this case. Joy is consistently associated with positive, natural, and profound characteristics: it is "born of parents poor" (suggesting it is authentic and not dependent on wealth), it is a "Butterfly" in "Nature's light," a "Bee" that "gently sucks away on blossoms," and a "Lark" with "strong though few" ties, singing "from her heart... at home." In contrast, Pleasure is depicted as superficial, transient, and even destructive: it is of "our richer kind," a "Moth that sleeps by day" and dances by "false glare at night," a "greedy wasp," and a "Cuckoo" that "roams" making "no friends true." By systematically elevating Joy and diminishing Pleasure through these symbolic comparisons, the poet clearly intends to lay stress on Joy's inherent worth and enduring quality, making the distinction the main theme of the work. The central argument is didactic, teaching the reader to value genuine, internal happiness (Joy) over fleeting, external gratification (Pleasure).

The incorrect option is 1:

While the poem utilizes numerous images from nature—such as the butterfly, the bee, the wasp, and the lark—these images serve only as vehicles for comparison (similes and metaphors) to illustrate the difference between Joy and Pleasure. The beauty of nature is a tool, not the subject itself. The overall message is psychological and moral, concerning human experience, not an appreciation or focus on the natural world for its own sake.

The incorrect option is 3:

Option 3 states that the poem establishes the superiority of pleasure over joy, which directly contradicts the evidence presented in every stanza. The poet consistently characterizes Joy with positive, intrinsic traits (Butterfly, Bee, Lark) and Pleasure with negative or superficial traits (Moth, greedy wasp, Cuckoo). The entire structure of the poem is built on showcasing why Joy is superior to Pleasure.

The incorrect option is 4:

This option suggests that both emotions are considered fleeting. However, the poem intentionally contrasts the enduring nature of Joy with the transitory nature of Pleasure. Pleasure is a "Moth" dancing by "false glare" and cold and dumb when alone, emphasizing its dependence on external factors and its ephemeral quality. Joy, conversely, sings "from her heart" and has strong ties, implying an internal, lasting state, rather than a fleeting emotion.