Question

Which of these is the main idea of the poem?

Answer 1

The correct answer for the question that is being presented above is this one: "A. Take pride in being a human being." The main idea of the poem is that take pride in being a human being. Laugh and be merry, remember, better the world with a song,

Answer 2

“Laugh and Be Merry” by John Masefield explains the main idea that C. Life is short; laugh and be merry.

The poem insists that the song of merry and laughter makes the world a better place. Such happiness helps in eradicating the sadness and negativity of the world. Further, it insists that the world becomes a better place when justice is served to those who did wrong, “Better the world with a blow in the teeth of a wrong.”
Linking it with the first line that happiness and laughter help in seeking justice.

The life is short like “a thread the length of a span”, hence, asking to laugh in the short span of life and make it meaningful. In the end, the poem insists to not to laugh just for oneself but for the humanity and history.