The poet’s failure to take a decision about things happening around and within him is exhibited in his sitting on the fence as stated in the poem. The following points were expected to be developed by the candidates in their responses:
When the past and future mingle.
When the truth and falsehood struggle.
When time moves forwards and backwards.
When the body ages and feeble mind wonders back.
When contradictory forces of good and evil meet in his head and make him stagger as if
he were drunk.
