A theme of “The Village Blacksmith” is people can take charge of their fate.

Which lines from the poem best develop this theme?


“Toiling,—rejoicing,—sorrowing, / Onward through life he goes”

“Thus at the flaming forge of life / Our fortunes must be wrought”

“Thus on its sounding anvil shaped / Each burning deed and thought.”

“Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend, / For the lesson thou hast taught!”