Question

Is the tone of the poem 'Wishing' optimistic or pessimistic? Cite examples from the poem.

Answer 1

Answer:

The poem, especially the ending, has an overtone that would seem pessimistic. It talks about a woman who had once seen herself as a young girl in it, now sees an old woman's face "day after day, like a terrible fish". However, the mirror does not mean to be hurtful. Instead, it is "silver and exact", with "no preconceptions". It gives the truth, nothing more or less. By that token, it is supposed to instigate neither optimism not pessimism, because it is entirely impartial. It is our inability, as humans, to accept ageing and death, that casts the pessimistic shadow