Explanation
Correct answer: A.
Choice A is the best answer because it most directly illustrates the text’s claim about Whitman’s poem, “To You.” The text says that in this poem, Whitman suggests that he deeply understands the poem’s reader. This quotation says that the reader’s “true soul and body appear before” Whitman, thereby asserting that he can see the reader as the reader truly is, suggesting that he deeply understands the reader.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because this quotation describes Whitman making the reader the subject of the poem (“you be my poem”), not Whitman deeply understanding the reader.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because instead of suggesting that Whitman deeply understands the reader, it emphasizes Whitman’s regret at not having addressed the reader sooner.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect. Although this quotation shows Whitman directly addressing the reader and expressing concern about the reader, it doesn’t illustrate the idea that Whitman suggests that he deeply understands the reader. The quotation is simply expressing concern about the reader, which doesn’t necessarily imply deep understanding of the reader.