Explanation
Approach
This line is from the well-known poem "The Star" by Jane Taylor (commonly known as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"). To understand what this line reveals, we need to read it in the context of the surrounding lines.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Read the full stanza for context
"Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so."
Step 2: Understand the meaning
The stanza describes a traveler journeying through the dark night. The star's tiny "spark" or twinkling light is what allows the traveler to see and find his path. The line "He could not see which way to go" is directly followed and explained by "If you did not twinkle so" — meaning the traveler's ability to see his way depends entirely on the star's light.
Step 3: Determine what this shows
This construction is a conditional statement: "He could not see... IF you did not twinkle." This tells us that the star's twinkling is precisely what enables the traveler to find his way in the darkness — in other words, the star guides his way. The line isn't about the traveler being physically blind, having no map, or fog being present; it's specifically about darkness (night) being overcome by starlight.
Correct Option: C) The star guides his way — the surrounding lines make clear that the star's twinkling light is what allows the traveler to see his path in the dark; without it, he would be lost.
Incorrect Options
- A) The traveller is blind — There's no indication of physical blindness; the issue is the darkness of night, not a vision impairment.
- B) He has no map — The poem never mentions a map; the challenge is purely about light and darkness, not navigation tools.
- D) There is fog — The poem specifically refers to being in "the dark" (nighttime darkness), not fog or misty weather conditions.