Question

Question 7 of 10

Click to read "Sonnet 73" by William Shakespeare. Then answer the question.
What is one possible theme of the poem?
O A. Loved ones should spend as much time together as possible
because life fades away quickly.
OB. A dying perso is associated with the elements of nature and the
hope that they will still be loved.
OC. Aging is compared to autumn, the sunset, and a dying fire.
OD. The power of love can cause even the old and dying to become
young and vital again.

Answer 1

A. Loved ones should spend as much time together as possible

because life fades away quickly.

Step-by-step explanation:

• Choice A is the best answer. Shakespeare gives the imagery of the dwindling fire in lines 11-12 to symbolize the ephemeral nature of life. In the final two lines, the narrator reflects on the dichotomy of the wood being both a life source and an extinguisher for the fire. This bittersweet realization offers a perspective of love and gratitude toward life.
• Choice B is incorrect. While Shakespeare does associate autumn and the imagery of decay with death, he does not make any mention of the narrator's hope to be loved or that they even experienced a loss of love.
• Choice C is incorrect. The imagery of the transition from a fading sunset into the twilight of the day symbolizes one's transition through life. As mentioned previously, the fading fire and autumn additionally are themes of the relativity of life but it is not the overall theme of the sonnet.
• Choice D is incorrect. Shakespeare does explore the power of love and how love and appreciation can allow an aging or dying person to have a newfound perspective on life. However, Shakespeare does not give any context in this sonnet about love making one young and vital again.

Please let me know if this makes sense!!!