The following text is from the 1924 poem “Cycle” by D’Arcy McNickle, a citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.There shall be new roads wending,A new beating of the drum—Men’s eyes shall have fresh seeing,Grey lives reprise their span—But under the new sun’s being,Completing what night began,There’ll be the same backs bending,The same sad feet shall drum—When this night finds its endingAnd day shall have come.....Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?A. To consider how the repetitiveness inherent in human life can be both rewarding and challengingB. To question whether activities completed at one time of day are more memorable than those completed at another time of dayC. To refute the idea that joy is a more commonly experienced emotion than sadness isD. To demonstrate how the experiences of individuals relate to the experiences of their communities
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Answer
A. To consider how the repetitiveness inherent in human life can be both rewarding and challenging
Solution
The poem "Cycle" by D’Arcy McNickle reflects on the repetitive nature of human life and its ongoing cycles. It highlights how, despite new beginnings and changes (new roads, fresh seeing), the same patterns (backs bending, sad feet drumming) continue. This suggests that the repetitiveness of life brings both continuity and challenges, fitting best with option A.
Supplemental Knowledge
Examining poetry requires deciphering its themes, tone and purpose of text. D'Arcy McNickle's poem, "Cycle," through imagery and repetition emphasizes life's cyclical nature despite changes (new roads or fresh eyesight); certain aspects remain constant (backs bending or sad feet drumming), suggesting how life's repetitive cycles may both remain and change over time. This leads us back into reflecting upon these cycles that span years and life spans as time marches onward and ever further!
- Themes of Repetition and Continuity: The poem emphasizes that while there may be new developments or changes (new roads, new sun), fundamental human experiences (labor, sadness) persist.
- Tone and Mood: The tone appears contemplative and somewhat somber, reflecting on the enduring struggles despite superficial changes.
Applied Knowledge
Consider a farmer working from dawn till dusk: each day brings different tasks--planting in spring and harvesting in fall--yet the core experience of labor remains constant. McNickle sees this paralleled in life: no matter how things may appear to shift on the surface level, oftentimes fundamental patterns remain the same beneath.
Imagine Maria working the fields in her family for generations. Each year brings its own set of weather conditions and crops; yet her daily routine--waking early, working hard under the sun--remains consistent, connecting her both to past ancestors as well as those that will follow in her footsteps.
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Explain 
Simplify this solution Beyond the Answer
The main purpose of the text clearly highlights the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing how despite changes and new beginnings, certain struggles remain constant across generations. Therefore, the best choice is A. To consider how the repetitiveness inherent in human life can be both rewarding and challenging. The imagery of "new roads," "fresh seeing," and "the same backs bending" elegantly portrays this duality of progress and persistence. Additionally, McNickle's work echoes themes of resilience within the context of Indigenous life, where both the weight of the past and the hope of renewal intertwine. His focus on the human condition — with the "same sad feet" — encourages readers to reflect on the collective experiences that shape individuals and communities alike, presenting a profound understanding of life's cyclical essence.
