Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow:
Apostrophe to Man Detestable race, continue to expunge yourself, die out. Breed faster, crowd, encroach, sing hymns, build bombing airplanes; Make speeches, unveil statues, issue bonds, parade: Convert again into explosives the bewildered ammonia and the distracted cellulose; Convert again into putrescent matter drawing flies The hopeful bodies of the young: exhort, Pray, pull long faces, be earnest, be all but overcome, be photographed: Confer, perfect your formulae, commercialize Bacteria harmful to human tissue, Put death on the market: Breed, crowd, encroach, expand, expunge yourself, die out, Homo called sapiens.

What is the meaning of the word “detestable” in the context of the poem?

The correct option is Contemptible.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Analyze the context of the poem:
In "Apostrophe to Man," the speaker addresses humanity ("Homo called sapiens") with harsh criticism, describing humans as a "Detestable race" and calling on them to "expunge yourself, die out." The speaker lists destructive human actions, such as building bombing airplanes, converting substances into explosives, and developing tissue-harming bacteria to commercialize death.

2. Determine the meaning of "detestable":
The word "detestable" comes from the verb "detest," which means to dislike intensely or view with hatred and disgust. In the context of the poem, the speaker feels deep disgust and disapproval toward humanity's self-destructive and violent nature.

3. Evaluate the given options:
- Ebullient: Means cheerful and full of energy. This contradicts the dark, critical tone of the poem.
- Contemptible: Means deserving of contempt; despicable, hateful, or worthy of intense disapproval. This aligns perfectly with the poem's portrayal of humanity as worthy of scorn and detestation.
- Magnanimous: Means very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful. This is the opposite of the speaker's attitude.
- Redoubtable: Means formidable, especially as an opponent, inspiring fear or respect. While humanity's destructive power is formidable, the word "detestable" focuses on the moral disgust and low regard the speaker holds for humanity, making "Contemptible" the most accurate synonym.