Read the poem and answer the following question.
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
The word vestige, as used in the poem, means
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → a small remaining trace
A vestige is a small part or sign that is left of something that is gone.
- The poem says that the grave may leave “A vestige of the thoughts that once I had”.
- This means that a little of the speaker’s old thoughts may still be left after death. Example: Only a vestige of the old fort wall stands near the river.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: a detailed record — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: A record is a full written account of something. A vestige is only a small part that is left. Example: The clerk keeps a record of every book that is borrowed.
Option 3: a final wish — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: A final wish is the last thing a person wants before death. The line speaks of thoughts that may be left over, not a wish. Example: His final wish was to see his village once more.
Option 4: a hidden secret — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: A secret is something kept from others. A vestige is not hidden. It is what remains. Example: Meena told me the secret of her tasty pickle.