Question

In the last line the poet suggests that ___________.

• A. the father will send his son on another, more serious errand
• B. the father's goal is to make his son appear ridiculous
• C. the father's response to his son's recognition will be significantly delayed
• D. the father will continue to good-humoredly tease and test his son
• E. the father and son will always engage in prankish contests

Answer 1

The correct option is D the father will continue to good-humoredly tease and test his son

Option D is the correct answer. The fact that the poet equates their relationship to a game suggests that they are both part of it, are equal participants of testing each other. The statements of options A,B and C defy the tone of the poem, relating the exact opposite of the relationship they have. Option E doesn't fully capture the serious, yet playful exchange between the two. Their relationship is more than pranks. They engage in gauged hostility and defiance, testing and humouring each other. Therefore, options A,B,C and E are incorrect in context to this poem.