(а) What does the poet mean by the phrase ‘in the dim past’? (b) Is the poet afraid of future?

Question

Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions that follow:

In the dim past, nor holding back in fear 

From what the future veils; but with a whole 

And happy heart, that pays its toll 

To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.

(а) What does the poet mean by the phrase ‘in the dim past’?

(b) Is the poet afraid of future? 

(c) How can one travel on with cheer?

Answer 1

(a) The poet means that the past was very dull and glum. 

(b) No, the poet isn’t afraid of the future. 

(c) One can travel cheerfully with a happy heart.