The poet refers to memory as being 'fond' and 'sad' because it brings?

Analyzing the question

The question asks why a poet describes memory with two seemingly opposite words: "fond" and "sad." The key is to see that each word points to a different emotion, so the answer must combine one positive and one negative feeling.

Explaining the concept

In poetry, memory is often shown as bittersweet. Remembering the past can bring:

• Fondness (affection and happiness) when we recall good times, shown by smiles.
• Sadness (loss and longing) when we realise those times are gone, shown by tears.

This mix of joy and sorrow is called a bittersweet or paradoxical emotion.

Step-by-step solution

1. "Fond" means affectionate or warm, so it matches something positive like smiles or joy.
2. "Sad" means sorrowful, so it matches something negative like tears or sorrow.
3. We need an option with one positive and one negative element: • A. cheers and smiles: both positive, so there is no "sad" element. ✗ • B. love and joy: both positive. ✗ • C. sorrow and pity: both negative, so there is no "fond" element. ✗ • D. smiles and tears: smiles match "fond" and tears match "sad." ✓

Answer

The correct option is D. smiles and tears.

Exam tip

When a question pairs two contrasting adjectives such as "fond" and "sad," look for the option that mirrors that contrast, with one positive and one negative item. Eliminate options where both words carry the same mood. This trick works often in Literature in English.