Question

This poem is for my theatre class, an audition piece. I figured it qualified for English. In order to captivate my audience, I need to understand what I'm saying. I understand certain parts of this poem but some parts are difficult to understand. Please help!

Answer 1

George Gray



I have studied many times

The marble which was chiseled for me—

A boat with a furled sail at rest in a harbor.

In truth it pictures not my destination

But my life.

For love was offered me and I shrank from its disillusionment;

Sorrow knocked at my door, but I was afraid;

Ambition called to me, but I dreaded the chances.

Yet all the while I hungered for meaning in my life.

And now I know that we must lift the sail

And catch the winds of destiny

Wherever they drive the boat.

To put meaning in one’s life may end in madness,

But life without meaning is the torture

Of restlessness and vague desire—

It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.



Edgar Lee Masters

Answer 2

Line 1-5

Answer 3

and Line 10-16

Answer 4

please help!

Answer 5

Everyone in the Spoon River Anthology is dead, The marble that was chiseled for him would be ...?

Answer 6

his life?

Answer 7

His tombstone.

Now what does it mean when a boat or ship has its sails furled?