Question

Which part of the poem introduces the protagonist and the conflict?

Only the better and clearer to view/ Cheeks that are rosy and eyes that are blue.

Wondering maiden, so puzzled and fair,/ Why dost thou murmur and ponder and stare?

Why, well: you see―if the truth must appear―/I'm not your grandmother, Riding-Hood, dear!

Little Red Riding-Hood, when in the street,/ Why do I press your small hand when we meet?

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The lines that introduce the protagonist and the conflict are:

"Wondering maiden, so puzzled and fair,/ Why dost thou murmur and ponder and stare?"

These lines present the protagonist, who is a curious and perplexed maiden, and they imply a conflict related to her confusion and questioning. The following lines further develop the conflict by implying a misunderstanding or a mistaken identity regarding the relationship with "Little Red Riding-Hood."