Question

Which line contains an allusion?
a.) line 1
b.) line 4
c.) line 9
d.) line 11
unit 7

"Sonnet XXXI"
With how sad steps, Oh Moon, thou climb'st the skies!
How silently, and with how wan a face!
What, may it be that even in heavenly place
That busy archer2 his sharp arrows tries?
Sure, if that long-with-love-acquainted eyes 5
Can judge of love, thou feel'st a lover's case,
I read it in thy looks; thy languished grace,
To me, that feel the like, thy state descries.
Then, even of fellowship, Oh Moon, tell me,
Is constant love deemed there but want of wit?
Are beauties there as proud as here they be?
Do they above love to be loved and yet
Those lovers scorn whom that love doth possess?
Do they call virtue there ungratefulness?
—Sir Philip Sidney

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) line 1. "Sonnet 31" was written by Sir Philip Sidney. In the first line of the sonnet Sidney makes reference to "Sad Steps" which is the title of a poem of Philip Larkin "Sad Steps" written in 1968 and published in 1974. However, both authors Sidney and Larkin use the same expression with a different intended meaning. For Sidney moon seems to be taking "sad steps" across the sky, whereas Larking uses the expression "sad steps" to refer to the steps he takes back to bed after having urinated.

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is b. Line 4. Hope this helps!