Test: Poem- The Last Bargain - 1 - Class 8 MCQ

When the old man offers to hire the narrator with his money, the narrator turns away from the offer. This decision by the narrator showcases a deeper contemplation on values beyond material wealth, hinting at a more profound aspect of the narrator's character and aspirations.

The speaker recounts an encounter with a child playing with shells on the beach who, after seeming to recognize the speaker, says, "I hire you with nothing." This simple yet profound act is what the speaker refers to as making him a free man. This symbolic gesture in child's play signifies a significant shift in the speaker's perception of freedom and value, emphasizing the power of innocence and simplicity in shaping one's sense of worth and liberation.

The setting when the fair maid comes out and hires the speaker with a smile is a flower-filled garden in the evening. This picturesque scene sets the tone for the encounter between the fair maid and the speaker, highlighting the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. The garden, blooming with flowers in the evening light, serves as a backdrop to the emotional interaction between the characters, adding a layer of natural beauty and serenity to the moment.

It is the heat of the mid-day when the houses stood with shut doors. This detail sets a specific atmosphere in the narrative, emphasizing a moment of stillness and solitude during the peak of the day's heat, adding depth to the portrayal of the setting and the narrator's experiences.