Multiple choice

Helm

Directions: Some words in the verse below have been highlighted. Select the best meaning for the corresponding word.

Freedom from fear is the freedom
I claim for you my motherland!
Freedom from the burden of the ages, bending your head,
breaking your back, blinding your eyes to the beckoning
call of the future;
Freedom from the shackles of slumber wherewith
you fasten yourself in night's stillness,
mistrusting the star that speaks of truth's adventurous paths;
Freedom from the anarchy of destiny
whose sails are weakly yielded to the blind uncertain winds,
and the helm to a hand ever rigid and cold as death.
Freedom from the insult of dwelling in a puppet's world,
where movements are started through brainless wires,
repeated through mindless habits,
where figures wait with patience and obedience for the
master of show,
to be stirred into a mimicry of life.

  1. Stalk

  2. Armour

  3. Controls

  4. Base

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

'Helm' refers to a ship's steering apparatus - the mechanism that controls direction. In this nautical metaphor, having the 'helm to a hand...cold as death' means destiny is controlled by something lifeless and unfeeling. 'Controls' captures the steering aspect. 'Stalk' is a plant stem. 'Armour' is protective gear. 'Base' means foundation.