Themes and Interpretations in 'Wishing'

The video tutorial explores the poem 'Wishing' by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, focusing on its optimistic themes. The teacher discusses the poem's stanzas, emphasizing the importance of actions, wisdom, and kindness in making the world a better place. The poem encourages self-reflection and the pursuit of a higher purpose, urging individuals to act with integrity and spread kindness. The tutorial also highlights the significance of acquiring knowledge before sharing it with others.

What is the main theme of Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poem 'Wishing'?

• The importance of optimism and self-improvement

• The inevitability of fate

• The struggles of life

• The beauty of nature

What is Ella Wheeler Wilcox known for?

• Her political speeches

• Optimistic and cheerful poems

• Her scientific discoveries

• Writing pessimistic novels

In the first stanza, what does the poet suggest we do to make the world better?

• Focus on material wealth

• Avoid helping others

• Set a watch upon our actions

• Ignore our actions

What does the word 'watch' mean in the context of the poem?

• A timepiece

• To keep an eye on something

• A television show

• A type of bird

What is the significance of 'Eden' in the poem?

• A modern city

• A beautiful place where Adam and Eve lived

• A place of punishment

• A symbol of chaos

According to the poem, what should we rid our minds of?

• Dreams and aspirations

• Creative ideas

• Selfish motives

• Memories of the past

What does the poet mean by 'accumulating wisdom in the scrapbook of your heart'?

• Memorizing historical facts

• Writing a diary

• Gathering knowledge that changes the heart

• Collecting material wealth

What should one do before giving knowledge to others, according to the poem?

• Acquire the knowledge themselves

• Ensure they have enough money

• Write a book

• Seek permission from elders

What is the main message of the third stanza?

• To accumulate wealth

• To spread seeds of kindness

• To travel the world

• To live in solitude

What metaphor is used in the third stanza to describe the impact of small acts?

• A burning fire

• Planting seeds

• A flowing river

• A roaring lion