Which of the following best expresses the central idea of the poem?

The correct answer is Option (4) → Anger that is spoken fades, but anger kept hidden grows into harm.

The poem shows two kinds of anger.

• The speaker was angry with his friend. “I told my wrath, my wrath did end.”
• Wrath means strong anger. He was also angry with his foe, but he did not say so.
• “I told it not, my wrath did grow.” This hidden anger grows into an apple, and the foe lies dead at the end.
• So the poem teaches that anger should be spoken out. Hidden anger only grows and causes harm.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect?

Option 1: Patience with an enemy is always rewarded in the end. — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: The speaker does wait. But he waits while his anger grows. The end is the foe’s death, not a reward for patience.

Option 2: A cheerful face should be kept even when one is hurt. — Incorrect. Opposite meaning: The speaker does smile at his foe. But his smiles are false, and they feed his anger. The poem does not praise them.

Option 3: Enemies must be forgiven before they can do any harm. — Incorrect. Not mentioned: No one forgives anyone in the poem. The poem is about telling one’s anger, not about forgiving an enemy.