Question

1.

. . . Loud was the din
Of the assembling thousands; groan'd the earth
When down they sat, and murmurs ran around.

Which of the following best analyzes the syntax in the passage and its contribution to mood?


1. Syntax: inversion— Loud and the din are reversed, as are groan'd and the earth.
Effect on Mood: The syntax emphasizes the number and noise of the Greek troops, adding to the mood of urgency.



2. Syntax: inversion— Loud and the din are reversed, as are groan'd and the earth.
Effect on Mood: The syntax emphasizes the fears and complaints of the Greek troops, adding to the mood of distress.

3. Syntax: inversion—Of the assembling thousands and din are reversed, as are murmurs and around.
Effect on Mood: The syntax emphasizes the activity of the Greek troops, adding to the mood of joy.

4. Syntax: inversion—Of the assembling thousands and din are reversed, as are murmurs and around.
Effect on Mood: The syntax emphasizes the unity of the Greek troops, adding to the mood of determination.

Answer 1

1.

Option 1 is best. The inversions ("Loud was the din" and "groan'd the earth") foreground the loudness and the mass of the assembling troops and the earth's convulsive reaction, heightening the sense of noisy, pressing urgency.