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What is the central idea of the poem Miniver Cheevy?

What is the central idea of the poem Miniver Cheevy?

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  1. This answer was edited.

    A perfect illustration of someone who is stuck in the past and unable to move on is the character Miniver. This person is so mired in the past that he cannot accept the way his life is right now. His expectations outweigh the world he is actually living in. Miniver hurts himself by living a life of isolation and disengagement. Even though he thinks he is running away, what he ends up with is an unfulfilling existence that he cannot enjoy. Despite being drawn to the great accomplishments of the past, he makes no effort to emulate them in his everyday life. Additionally, he lacks the ability to discern between distinct historical eras. He only cares about extolling the magnificence of bygone eras and asserting that they were superior to contemporary day life. Through this persona, the poem warns the audience that romanticizing the past too much only leads to apathy, which can completely derail one’s life.  Miniver Cheevy Summary

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