Question

What does ‘hurt hand’ refer to?

• A. Growing needs of a man
• B. Growing greed of men
• C. Unfulfilled desires
• D. Growing insensitivity of man to pain

Hint:

In “Keeping Quiet,” Neruda uses simple images like “hurt hands” to symbolize human suffering caused by greed and exploitation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

This question is related to the poem “Keeping Quiet” by Pablo Neruda. The phrase “hurt hands” is used symbolically in the poem.
Step 1: Understand the symbolism.
The “hurt hands” of the salt gatherer represent the suffering caused by continuous labour and human exploitation. It also suggests the impact of human greed and material pursuits.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
(A) Growing needs of a man: The poem does not directly emphasize needs.
(B) Growing greed of men: This is correct because the poem criticizes human greed and exploitation that lead to suffering.
(C) Unfulfilled desires: This is not the direct meaning in the context.
(D) Growing insensitivity of man to pain: Although related, the main idea reflects greed-driven exploitation.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The phrase “hurt hands” symbolically points toward the growing greed of men that causes suffering. Hence, the correct answer is (B).
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(B) \, \text{Growing greed of men}} \]