Question

Read the quote below:

"Then he began to read in a low, stumbling voice that grew firmer as he
progressed from line to line...
'The Sea of Faith
Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore
Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled. But now I only hear
Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar!" (Bradbury).
Which of the following literary terms is the BEST matched with the quote above?
a) Indirect Characterization
b) Alliteration
c) Direct Characterization
d) Allusion

Answer 1

The quote is an allusion to Matthew Arnold's poem 'Dover Beach,' making reference to the metaphor of the 'Sea of Faith' as it comments on the decline of religious belief.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quote in question contains a reference to 'The Sea of Faith' which is a metaphor in Matthew Arnold's poem 'Dover Beach.' Thus, the literary term best matched with the quote is d) Allusion. An allusion is a direct or indirect reference to a famous work, event, or figure. In this quote, it's referencing Arnold's representation of the waning of religious faith in the world. This device enriches the text by drawing on the thematic weight and context of the original work mentioned.