What do the stanzas in "a psalm of life" have in common? a. they explain the different parts of a thing. b. they show stages in a thought process. c. they show the events of a narrative. d. they display different sides of a problem.

B. They show stages in a thought process.

Explanation:

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 'A Psalm of Life' means 'song of life'. The poet is hopeful in tone and eulogizing life and its prospects. It is a type of appeal or command to humankind to follow the route of virtue and goodness. The poem is a response to the biblical teachings that treats man as sinners and consist of mere dust. The poem follows the stages to renovate the pessimistic outlook of life, he sets the tone with beginning only by slamming this melancholy using imperative tone. The second stanza gives a concrete form to his idea i.e. "Life is real, Life is earnest". The third stanza suggests an ideal manner of living, then responsibilities in the fourth and so on. The poet concludes by urging the readers to adopt a never give up attitude to life and always remain hopeful. Thus, it follows the stages to incorporate positivity in human life.