Directions (96-100): Read the following poem and answer the
given questions.

In all my wand’rings round this world of care,
In all my griefs-and God has giv’n my share
I still had hopes, my latest hours to crown,
Amidst these humble bow’rs to lay me down;
To husband out life’s taper at the close,
And keep the flame from wasting by repose;
I still had hopes, for pride attends us still,
Amidst the swains to show my book learn’d skill,
Around my fire an ev’ning group to draw,
And tell of all I felt, and all I saw.

What is the mood of the poem?

The correct answer is Optimistic and resolute.

This excerpt is from Oliver Goldsmith's celebrated poem The Deserted Village. To determine the mood, we must closely read the language, imagery, and emotional tone the speaker projects throughout the stanza.

Step 1: Acknowledge the surface-level hardship

The poem opens by admitting suffering and struggle:

"In all my wand'rings round this world of care, / In all my griefs — and God has giv'n my share"

The speaker acknowledges that life has been filled with wandering and grief. This could suggest pessimism — but notice the key phrase: "God has giv'n my share." This is acceptance, not despair. The speaker does not rail against fate; he acknowledges it with quiet dignity.

Step 2: Identify the recurring phrase — "I still had hopes"

The phrase "I still had hopes" appears twice in this short passage. This repetition is critically important — it signals that despite every hardship, the speaker's spirit remains unbroken. The word "still" is the emotional anchor of the poem. It means: even after everything, hope persists. This is the very definition of being resolute — firm and unwavering in purpose.

Step 3: Examine the speaker's vision for the future

The speaker's hopes are described in warm, constructive terms:

"Amidst these humble bow'rs to lay me down; / To husband out life's taper at the close, / And keep the flame from wasting by repose"

Here, "life's taper" is a metaphor for life itself — a candle burning down. The speaker wants to husband (manage carefully) the remaining flame, not let it go to waste. This shows a forward-looking, purposeful mindset — the hallmark of optimism.

Step 4: Note the social and intellectual aspirations

The second "I still had hopes" leads to a vision of community and sharing:

"Amidst the swains to show my book learn'd skill, / Around my fire an ev'ning group to draw, / And tell of all I felt, and all I saw."

The speaker imagines gathering people — swains (fellow villagers) — around the fireside, sharing knowledge and lived experience. This is not the vision of a defeated or bitter person. It is a warm, hopeful, life-affirming image. The speaker still wants to contribute, to connect, and to be remembered through storytelling.

Step 5: Rule out the other options

- Pessimistic: A pessimistic poem would dwell on grief without any counterbalancing hope. Here, grief is mentioned but immediately followed by hope — so pessimism is incorrect.
- Jovial: Jovial implies lighthearted cheerfulness. The poem is too serious and reflective in tone for this label.
- Envious: There is no jealousy of others expressed anywhere in the poem. The speaker reflects inward, not outward with envy.

Conclusion:

The mood of the poem is best described as Optimistic and resolute. Despite a life marked by wandering, care, and grief, the speaker refuses to surrender hope. The repeated declaration of "I still had hopes," combined with the vivid, warm imagery of fireside evenings and shared wisdom, paints a portrait of a person who faces life's end with courage, purpose, and an unshaken belief in the value of human connection.