Understanding the Narrator in "Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark"

Question:

What can you infer about the narrator from the concluding sentence: “I hold and hold and hold him”?

Answer:

The correct answer is B) she does not want her father to die. The narrator's sentiment of holding onto her father tightly in the concluding sentence indicates a strong desire to keep him close and protect him. This poignant moment reveals the narrator's fear and reluctance to face the possibility of losing her father, expressing a deep emotional attachment to him.

Understanding the Narrator's Emotions:

The narrator's actions of holding onto her father signify her unwillingness to let go and her yearning for his continued presence in her life. The phrase "I hold and hold and hold him" conveys a sense of desperation and the narrator's attempt to hold onto a cherished relationship. This emotional display suggests a deep bond between the narrator and her father, portraying a heartfelt connection that she does not want to lose.

The narrator's fear of losing her father: The fear of losing a loved one is a universal human emotion that is often portrayed in literature. In this case, the narrator's reluctance to let go of her father, even in her thoughts, reflects the profound impact his potential absence would have on her. The act of holding onto him can be seen as a way to delay or prevent the inevitable separation that death brings.

The theme of love and loss: The concluding sentence captures the theme of love and loss, highlighting the narrator's emotional turmoil as she grapples with the idea of her father's mortality. Through her actions and words, the narrator communicates her deep love and affection for her father, making it clear that the thought of losing him is unbearable to her.

In conclusion, the narrator's poignant statement at the end of the poem reveals her emotional depth, portraying her love for her father and her intense desire to keep him close. The act of holding onto him symbolizes her innermost feelings and her longing for his presence, making the reader empathize with her heartfelt emotions.