This question is based on General Literary Appreciation. Weep not child, weep not my darling With these kisses…

Analyzing the question: We are asked to identify the attitude or tone of the speaker in the lines, which come from David Diop's poem "Weep Not Child" (also associated with Ngũgĩ's theme of hope and Négritude poetry). The speaker comforts a child and talks about the future.

The concept: In poetry appreciation, the speaker's attitude is found in the word choices and the direction of the statements. Look for:

• Comforting actions ("let me remove your tears")
• Future-oriented statements ("shall no longer be victorious")
• Images of negativity being defeated ("ravening clouds") and freedom or light returning ("possess the sky")

Step-by-step solution:

1. "Weep not child, weep not my darling": The speaker is consoling, not giving in to sorrow.
2. "With these kisses let me remove your tears": The speaker takes active, caring action. This rules out helpless (C).
3. "The ravening clouds shall no longer be victorious / They shall no longer possess the sky": The "ravening clouds" symbolize oppression, suffering, or darkness. The speaker declares confidently that they will be defeated. This shows hope for a better future.
4. The speaker is not carefree (B), because he acknowledges the pain and the threat (the ravening clouds). He is not pessimistic (D), because he predicts the defeat of the suffering rather than its continuation.

Answer: The speaker is optimistic, since he believes the suffering will end and brighter days will come.

Exam tip: For "attitude of the speaker" questions, check the verbs and the future tense. Words like "shall" combined with the defeat of a negative image usually signal hope or optimism. Also remember that comforting someone is not the same as being carefree, because the speaker still recognizes the problem.