Analyzing "The Walrus and the Carpenter" Poem
What can you infer about the poem after reading this stanza from "The Walrus and the Carpenter"?
The eldest Oyster looked at him, But never a word he said; The eldest Oyster winked his eye, And shook his heavy head— Meaning to say he did not choose To leave the oyster-bed.
A. The eldest oyster worries a lot.
B. Something bad is going to occur if the young oysters go with the Walrus.
C. The eldest oyster is more comfortable at home.
D. Walrus just wants to take the young oysters out for a walk.
Answer: C. The eldest oyster is more comfortable at home.
Explanation: I say this because he winked and shook his head to say no but he didn't respond with words.
After analyzing the stanza from "The Walrus and the Carpenter," we can infer that the eldest oyster is more comfortable at home. The actions of looking at the Walrus, not speaking, and gesturing with a wink and shaking his head indicate that the eldest oyster has no desire to leave the oyster-bed and prefers to stay where he feels safe and secure.
It is important to pay attention to the non-verbal cues given by the eldest oyster in this stanza. His behavior suggests a sense of reluctance or lack of interest in joining the Walrus and the Carpenter on their journey, emphasizing his comfort in familiar surroundings.
Understanding the emotions and motivations of the characters in a poem can provide deeper insight into the themes and messages being conveyed. In this case, the eldest oyster's reluctance to leave home adds a layer of complexity to the narrative and invites readers to consider the idea of comfort versus adventure.