Answer:
Answer explained below.Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of the poem "A Hero" by Katharine Tynan is the unrecognized potential and hidden greatness within individuals. The author explores the idea that people may appear foolish or insignificant in the eyes of others, but they possess remarkable qualities that can lead them to achieve extraordinary feats. Tynan's writing strategies, mood, and tone contribute to the development of this theme.
Throughout the poem, Tynan uses contrasting imagery to emphasize the discrepancy between the initial perception of the protagonist and his eventual heroic actions. The opening lines, "He was so foolish, the poor lad, / He made superior people smile," depict the protagonist as someone who is regarded as foolish and unremarkable. This establishes a contrast between the superficial judgment of others and the hidden potential within him.
The author's use of vivid language further enhances the theme. For example, the line, "Who knew not of the wings he had / Budding and growing all the while," employs the metaphor of wings to symbolize the protagonist's untapped potential. This metaphor emphasizes that despite his initial appearance, the protagonist possesses extraordinary abilities that are gradually developing.
The mood of the poem shifts from a dismissive tone at the beginning to a reverential tone towards the end. The initial tone is evident in the lines, "Silly and childish in his ways; / They said: 'His future comes to naught.'" Here, the dismissive tone reflects the condescending judgment of others regarding the protagonist's prospects. However, as the poem progresses, the tone becomes more admiring and remorseful, as seen in the lines, "Ask pardon where his spirit is, / Because we never guessed him for / A hero in the disguise he wore." The remorseful tone conveys the realization and regret of those who failed to recognize the heroism in the protagonist.