Poem: "Children of the Slums" by Mary E. Coleridge

In the poem "Children of the Slums" by Mary E. Coleridge, the poet expresses her concern and empathy towards the children living in the slums. She wishes for a better life and brighter future for these children, and her wish encompasses several aspects.

a) Happiness and Health:

One of the poet's wishes for the children of the slums is for them to be happy and healthy. The slums are often associated with poverty, cramped living conditions, and lack of basic amenities. The children living in such circumstances may face numerous challenges and hardships, which can negatively impact their well-being. By wishing for their happiness and health, the poet emphasizes the importance of their overall well-being and the need for them to experience joy and good health despite their challenging circumstances.

b) Good Change:

Another wish of the poet is for a good change to come into the lives of these children. The word "change" implies a transformation from their current situation to a better one. The poet acknowledges the difficulties they face in the slums and hopes for a positive shift in their lives. This change could refer to improvements in their living conditions, access to education and opportunities, and a better future overall.

c) Enjoyment of Nature:

The poet also wishes for the children of the slums to enjoy the bounties of nature. Living in a slum often means being surrounded by concrete structures and limited access to green spaces. Nature has a profound impact on a person's well-being and can provide solace, inspiration, and a sense of wonder. By expressing her wish for the children to enjoy nature, the poet recognizes the importance of their connection with the natural world and the potential benefits it can bring to their lives.

d) All of these:

The correct answer is option 'D' - All of these. The poet wishes for the children of the slums to be happy, healthy, experience positive change in their lives, and enjoy the beauty of nature. These wishes encompass various aspects of the children's well-being and reflect the poet's desire for them to have a better and brighter future.

Overall, the poet's wishes for the children of the slums highlight her compassion and concern for their welfare. She hopes for their happiness, good change, and the ability to find solace and joy in the natural world. Through her words, the poet calls for empathy, understanding, and action to improve the lives of these children and create a more inclusive and equitable society.