in line 16of "The Nymph's reply to the shepherd" in what ways does the speaker's word choice reveal a striking balance of opposite to illustrate the theme of the harmful effects of time?
"In folly ripe, in reason rotten."
We fall in love when times are good, but time wipes out that love.
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/174205
In line 16 of "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd," the speaker's word choice reveals a striking balance of opposites to illustrate the theme of the harmful effects of time. The line reads:
"But could youth last and love still breed,"
In this line, the speaker juxtaposes the contrasting ideas of "youth" and "love," which symbolize vitality, energy, and passion. The word "youth" represents the fleeting nature of time and how it inevitably fades away. The word "love" represents a sense of permanence and the desire for enduring affection.
By using the words "last" and "breed" in close proximity, the speaker suggests a contradiction. "Last" implies duration, the ability for youth to withstand the test of time, while "breed" implies growth, renewal, and the perpetuation of love. The speaker is illustrating the delicate balance between the desire for lasting youth and the hope for perpetual love, both of which can be negatively affected by the passage of time.
This word choice emphasizes the theme of the poem, as it highlights the destructive power of time and the impossibility of preserving youthful vigor and eternal love. The speaker acknowledges the futility of attempting to defy the inevitable effects of time and urges the shepherd to embrace this reality.
To analyze the ways in which the speaker's word choice in line 16 of "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd" reveals a striking balance of opposites to illustrate the theme of the harmful effects of time, you will need to carefully examine the text. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
1. Read the entire poem: Start by reading the entire poem to familiarize yourself with its themes, tone, and imagery. Understanding the context and the overall message will help you interpret the specific line in question.
2. Identify the relevant section: Find line 16 in the poem. Pay attention to the lines immediately before and after it, as they may provide important clues about the speaker's intended meaning.
3. Determine the word choice: Evaluate the specific words used in line 16. Look for any words that seem to present contrasting or opposing ideas. These words might indicate the balance of opposites you are seeking.
4. Analyze the contrast: Consider how the chosen words in line 16 create a striking balance of opposites. Do they juxtapose two contrasting concepts? Are they contradictory or paradoxical? Think about the effect this contrast has on revealing the theme of the harmful effects of time.
5. Connect to the broader theme: Finally, link your analysis of line 16 to the poem's overall theme of the harmful effects of time. How does the opposing language used in this line contribute to the exploration of this theme? Explain why the balance of opposites supports or enhances this idea.
By following these steps, you should be able to dissect and explain how the speaker's word choice in line 16 reveals a striking balance of opposites to illustrate the theme of the harmful effects of time in "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd."