To what extent do you think the questions the poet poses in "Astonishment" are unanswerable? Do you think that all such "metaphysical" questions cannot be answered? What might some answers be to these questions?

What are some of the questions you have about the nature of the world and human existence? How are they different from or similar to Szymborska's questions?

Do you think that human beings are ultimately not so very different from other animals? Why or why not?

Research some of the answers that philosophers, political thinkers, or religious figures throughout the ages have considered in response to Szymborska's questions about the nature of existence.

Is Szymborska right in saying that poets must take an attitude that they "don't know"? What do you see as potential problems with taking such a position?