Question

What does this mean?

The question that I have answer in essay format about poem I read is:

What does this text suggest to you about an individual’s attempt to reconcile the desire to act independently with the need for security?

I dont understand what they're asking from me? There's just too many big words and I just need help braking this down to understand what the question is even asking in the first place.

Answer 1

When looking at a prompt you have difficulty understanding, break it up :)

"What does this text suggest to you about an individual's attempt to reconcile [the desire to act independently] with [the need for security]?"

The things i have bracketed are the two things that are being reconciled. This is essentially asking you to identify why people want to be independent while still being safe with others :)

Answer 2

Damn it wombat!

Answer 3

Okay so reconcile is to fix something or rectify it right?

So its asking me how the text suggests ideas of an individual wanting to fix their want to be independent and secure? That's confusing.

Answer 4

@vinnyra... what?

Answer 5

desire = want. I realize how weird and incorrect my last sentence sounds.

Answer 6

@shay88 correct. there are two ideas here: 1) wanting to be independent and 2) wanting to feel secure... I'm going to sort of direct your thought process here:

You are being asked how people make an effort to be independent AND try to be secure by being near others at the same time.

Answer 7

OOOOHHH..... Okay that makes much more sense, because I was getting confused with the security part. Well my teacher should have said that to me! lol. Thank you!!!

Answer 8

Anytime :)

Answer 9

@wombat You always seem to out do me in your replies, I know your not doing so intentionally though :) Keep up the great anwers though!

Answer 10

@vinnyra ...sorry :( jus tryin to help