Question

In which lines in this poem does the speaker compare her love to the pursuit of a social cause?

Sonnet 43
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
[My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight ]
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
[I love thee to the level of every day’s ]
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
[I love thee freely, as men strive for right; ]
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
[In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.]
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
[With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,]
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

(Answer choices are boxed.)

Answer 1

Answer: C) I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

Step-by-step explanation: A simile is a figure of speech that consists in making a comparison between elements that aren't obviously related, this comparison is made by using the words "like" or "as." In the given lines of the poem "Sonnet 43" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning we can see an example of simile in the phrase " I love thee freely, as men strive for right" here she is comparing her love to men striving for right (which is the pursuit of a social cause).

Answer 2

The line in this poem in which the speaker compares her love to the pursuit of a social cause is I love thee freely, as men strive for right.