Why does lincoln reference this portion of the declaration of independence in the gettysburg address ?

the second option.is correct

hello,

your answer is a) the metaphor suggests that the poetic themes are serious and dark.

collins is comparing the poem to a dark room. he is suggesting that the poems theme is serious and wants you to understand it. you don't need to understand the poet in order to understand the poem. you also don't need to move around while reading it. he is simply saying the poem has a dark and serious theme.

- i.a -

this is a good question! i'll do some research and come back when i have the answer!