Question

In lines 41-44, Gray asks two rhetorical questions:

"Can storied urn or animated bust
Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath?
Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust,
Or Flatt'ry soothe the dull cold ear of Death?"
Explain the meaning of these questions. Then, answer them in your own words.

Answer 1

Gray asks two rhetorical questions in lines 41-44 of the poem that emphasize the universality and powerlessness of death.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two rhetorical questions asked by Gray in lines 41-44 of the poem are as follows:

1. Can storied urn or animated bust Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath?

2. Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust, Or Flatt'ry soothe the dull cold ear of Death?

These questions are used to emphasize the idea that no matter how impressive or influential someone may be, death is an inevitable and universal force that cannot be influenced or conquered. The rhetorical questions highlight the powerlessness of individuals when faced with death.