The House by the Side of the Road

How does the repetition of the phrase "And be a friend of man" in lines 8, 16, 24, and 40 impact (affect) the meaning of the poem?

• It reinforces the speaker's desire to have harmonious interaction with those he encounters in life.

• It reveals the speaker's motivation in choosing a place to live that is close to the activities of a town.

• It conveys the speaker's effort to educate younger generations on how to treat the people in their lives.

• It communicates the speaker's attempts to meet new people and develop stronger relationships.

What do lines 1-8 reveal about the speaker?

• He desires to live somewhere by himself.

• He enjoys the opportunity to observe other people.

• He longs for the opportunity to discover new places.

• He understands those who do not appreciate solitude.

To which idea in the poem does the photograph mostly contribute?

• the speaker’s acceptance of and love for other human beings

• the speaker’s desire to resolve any conflicts with other people

• the speaker’s need for companionship and emotional support

• the speaker’s opinion that other people are too sensitive

PART A: What does the speaker mean by the phrase “I would not sit in the scorner’s seat” as it is used in line 13?

• He realizes it is important for him to point out the mistakes of others.

• He thinks it is difficult to be surrounded by weaker men.

• He feels others are missing out on life because they are waiting for directions.

• He knows it is not his place to judge because he is no better than his fellow men.

PART B: Which two sets of lines reinforce the answer to Part A?

• “Let me live in a house by the side of the road,

  Where the race of men go by,” (lines 9-10)

• “The men who are good and the men who are bad,

  As good and as bad as I.” (lines 11-12)

• “The men who are faint with the strife.

  But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears,” (lines 20-21)

• “Nor live in my house by the side of the road

  Like a man who dwells alone.” (lines 31-32)

• “They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,

  Wise, foolish—so am I.” (lines 35-36)

Which central idea is expressed in lines 25-28?

• Everyone’s future will have both easy days and difficult days.

• It is difficult to travel long distances without becoming lonely.

• Men can find peace by exploring the nature around them.

• Most people focus only on the negative events in their lives.

How does the repetition of the phrase “And be a friend to man” in lines 8, 16, 24, and 40 impacts the meaning of the poem?

• It reinforces the speaker’s desire to have harmonious interactions with those he encounters in life.

• It reveals the speaker’s motivation in choosing a place to live that is close to the activities of a town.

• It conveys the speaker’s effort to educate younger generations on how to treat the people in their lives.

• It communicates the speaker’s attempts to meet new people and develop stronger relationships.