Read the lines from “Mr. Flood’s Party.”

He sat the jug down slowly at his feet
With trembling care, knowing that most things break;
And only when assured that on firm earth
It stood, as the uncertain lives of men
Assuredly did not, he paced away
How does the word choice in these lines affect the meaning of the poem?

It conveys the idea that Flood has experienced loss and heartache.

It reveals that Flood is not a stable, reliable man.

It suggests that where Flood lives is on unstable ground.

It shows that Flood has broken jugs a few times before.