Which best describes the theme of "sympathy"?
those who are imprisoned do not understand why they are not free.
those who are trapped eventually forget the feeling of being free.
the psychological pain of being trapped is greater than any physical pain.
those who break the rules of society deserve to be imprisoned.

The option that best describes the theme of "Sympathy", by Paul Laurence Dunbar, is The psychological pain of being trapped is greater than any physical pain. Dunbar's parents were former slaves and through this poem, he states that he knows what the caged bird feels because he knows what oppressed African-Americans felt. The caged bird is expressing those feelings, which are of profound sorrow.

The option that best describes the theme of "Sympathy", by Paul Laurence Dunbar, is The psychological pain of being trapped is greater than any physical pain. Dunbar's parents were former slaves and through this poem, he states that he knows what the caged bird feels because he knows what oppressed African-Americans felt. The caged bird is expressing those feelings, which are of profound sorrow.

C). Both quotes emphasize individualism and controlling one's own fate, advising that people should see themselves as their “own star” of guidance.

Explanation:

The given italicized quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson's popular essay titled 'Self-Reliance' play a key role in developing the key idea of 'individualism and governing one's own fate.' These quotes allow Emerson to suggest to people that 'one must trust thyself' and follow their own conscience rather than blindly conforming to the ideals or expectations of the government or society. He says that 'nothing is at last sacred but your own soul' which implies his indication to people for becoming 'self-reliant' and be their 'own star of guidance.' Thus, option C is the correct answer.