Question

When Our Two Souls... (Sonnet 22) by Elizabeth Barrett Browning When our two souls stand up erect and strong, Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher, Until the lengthening wings break into fire At either curvèd point,—what bitter wrong Can the earth do to us, that we should not long [5] Be here contented? Think. In mounting higher, The angels would press on us and aspire To drop some golden orb of perfect song Into our deep, dear silence. Let us stay Rather on earth, Belovèd,—where the unfit [10] Contrarious moods of men recoil away And isolate pure spirits, and permit A place to stand and love in for a day, With darkness and the death-hour rounding it. "When our two souls... (Sonnet 22)" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning Question Use the poem “When our two souls…” (Sonnet 22) by Elizabeth Barrett Browning to answer the question. How do lines 1–6 create layers of meaning? (1 point) Responses The lines show the speaker standing facing a lover, and the speaker creates an image of two souls coming together figuratively. The lines show the speaker standing facing a lover, and the speaker creates an image of two souls coming together figuratively. The lines show two people who are falling in love, but they are not sure they can leave their responsibilities behind for the relationship. The lines show two people who are falling in love, but they are not sure they can leave their responsibilities behind for the relationship. The lines show the speaker questioning their relationship with a lover with an image of their love burning and going out. The lines show the speaker questioning their relationship with a lover with an image of their love burning and going out. The lines show two people facing each other in an argument, but they cannot win the argument because they are in love.
Select One

Answer 1

The best response is: **The lines show the speaker standing facing a lover, and the speaker creates an image of two souls coming together figuratively.**

This response captures the essence of the initial lines of the sonnet, emphasizing the intimate connection between the two souls as they come together, which is central to the poem's theme of love and unity.