Question

What might the nymph's response reveal about the nature of the shepherd's invitation?

a) The nymph's response suggests that she is eager to accept the invitation.
b) The nymph's response indicates reluctance and a lack of interest in the invitation.
c) The nymph's response conveys confusion about the shepherd's intentions.
d) The nymph's response reveals that she has not received the invitation yet.

Answer 1

The nymph's response to the shepherd displays skepticism and shows her reluctance and lack of interest towards his invitation, revealing the transient nature of his promises.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd” by Walter Raleigh suggests that the nymph's response to the shepherd's invitation is not one of eagerness but rather skepticism and reluctance. The lines “Soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten: In folly ripe, in reason rotten” indicate a clear understanding that the promises and pleasures being offered are transient and not based in reality. Going by this evidence, the correct answer is that the nymph's response indicates reluctance and a lack of interest in the invitation (Option b).