Question

Read the following excerpt from "The Monk's Tale" by Geoffrey Chaucer.

There never was a captain served a king
Who brought so many countries in subjection...
Or more presumptuous by predilection
Than Holofernes. Fortune ever fair
Kissed him and with such a lecherous affection
He lost his head before he was aware.
It was not only that he made a wraith
Of the world's wealth and plundered liberty,
He made his enemies renounce their faith:...
Judith, a woman, had the strength to smite.
Off went his sleepy head and from the tent
She crept away before the morning light.
Which statement best describes the two themes developed in this passage?
OA. Stronger fortresses provide safety, and the wicked cannot be
trusted.
B. Fame comes with a price, and night watches provide safety.
C. Fortune is fickle, and ambition leads to a person's downfall.
D. The wicked are not honored, and the wealthy cannot be trusted.

Answer 1

The passage develops the themes of fortune's fickleness and the downfall of ambition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two themes developed in this passage are fortune is fickle and ambition leads to a person's downfall. The passage describes Holofernes, a captain who was favored by fortune but ultimately lost his head due to his presumptuous and ambitious nature. This illustrates the unpredictable nature of fortune and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Learn more about Themes in literature