Question

"Campbell intended to identify the woman with natural phenomenon by remarking on the similarity between thorns and sharp nails (lines 6, 7). Elsewhere in the poem, this theme is even more explicit. Select and discuss ONE image where the theme is developed."

A) The image of "piercing gaze" (line 12) serves to reinforce the connection between the woman and natural elements, portraying her as intense and powerful.
B) The image of "flowing river" (line 15) highlights the woman's dynamic and ever-changing nature, akin to the constant movement of water in nature.
C) The image of "crimson sunset" (line 20) symbolizes the woman's fiery and passionate personality, aligning her with the intensity of natural phenomena.
D) The image of "whispering breeze" (line 9) suggests the woman's gentle and calming influence, akin to the soothing quality of nature.

Answer 1

The image of a "crimson sunset" in the poem by Campbell symbolizes the woman's fiery and passionate nature while reinforcing the link between her persona and the captivating aspects of natural phenomena.

Step-by-step explanation:

To explore the theme of natural phenomena in the given poem by Campbell, where a woman is described through imagery linking her to nature, we can consider one of the provided images. Option C, the image of "crimson sunset", serves to symbolize the woman's fiery and passionate personality.

This aligns her presence and impact with that of a sunset, which is a powerful and visually arresting natural phenomenon. Just as a sunset marks the end of the day with vivid colors and emotional resonance, the woman's presence could be seen as marking a significant impression or change within her environment or the narrative of the poem.

The use of a "crimson sunset" in line 20 of the poem intensifies the connection between the woman and the natural world. This image not only implies her passionate nature but is so evocative of the end of day that it could suggest her influence is both soothing and a signal of change, much like the transition from day to night.