English

Susan Jimenez

14 January, 06:40

Read the excerpt below and answer the question. Men have tried hard to put away the dark; A million lighted windows brilliantly Inlay with squares of gold the winter night, But to us standing here there comes the stark Sense of the lives behind each yellow light, And not one wholly joyous, proud, or free. What is the meaning of these lines in the closing sestet of "Lights"? Human inventiveness has brought brightness and optimism to the world. The power of love transforms the ordinary lights of city buildings into delicate works of art. People use the lights to brighten and mask the dreariness of their lives. The lighted windows on winter nights symbolize the energy and vibrancy of the city.