Answer:
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Sonnet 43" is known for its passionate and profound expression of love. In this poem, the language used contributes significantly to the overall tone, which is intensely emotional, romantic, and reverent.
From the options provided:
1. The use of hyperbole develops an enthusiastic tone: This statement is accurate. The hyperbole in the lines "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." and "I love thee to the depth and breadth and height / My soul can reach" sets an enthusiastic and passionate tone as the speaker uses this figure of speech to exaggerate her boundless love for her beloved.
2. The use of religious allusions develops a sympathetic tone: This is somewhat misleading. While there are religious connotations in the poem (such as "ideal grace"), they don't necessarily create a sympathetic tone. Instead, they enhance the sense of sacredness, reverence, and purity associated with her love, reinforcing its intensity and profoundness.
3. The use of irony creates a mocking tone: This is not accurate. There's no irony used in this poem; the tone is sincere, and it expresses deep and earnest love rather than mockery.
4. The use of similes creates a playful tone: This is also not accurate. While the poem contains similes (indirect comparisons using 'as'), they serve to express the vastness and intensity of the speaker's love, not to create a playful tone.
In conclusion, the use of hyperbole and religious allusions most significantly contribute to the tone of the poem, creating an atmosphere of passionate love and reverence. The tone isn't sympathetic, mocking, or playful as suggested by the latter options.