Question

Identify the line in this poem indicating that the poetic speaker is hopelessly in love. (Sonnet 8 from Astrophil and Stella by Philip Sidney)

a) "Love, born in Greece, of late fled fro"
b) "Indignant of my love, disdainfully"
c) "Thy beams across so noble bodies go"
d) "Loving offenders thus I will excuse ye"

Answer 1

The line 'Loving offenders thus I will excuse ye' from 'Astrophil and Stella' indicates the speaker is hopelessly in love, as it shows an unconditional willingness to forgive the beloved's faults.

Step-by-step explanation:

The line from Sonnet 8 from Astrophil and Stella by Philip Sidney that indicates the speaker is hopelessly in love is "Loving offenders thus I will excuse ye" (option d). This line suggests that the speaker is willing to forgive the faults of those he loves, indicating a deep sense of infatuation and unconditional love, typical of a lover ensnared by their emotions.

Option a does not pertain to personal love, rather it addresses the origin of love, Greece. Option b exhibits indignation rather than hopeless love, and option c merely presents an image and doesn't effectively convey a sense of being love-struck.