Question

Reread lines 17–20 of the poem.

And lonesome in a haunt of withered vines,
Amid the flutter of her withered leaves,
Pale Summer for her perished kingdom pines,
And all the glories of her golden sheaves.

Which answer choice correctly identifies a sound device in the lines and explains its effect on mood?
A. Sound Device: consonance—flutter / withered / Summer
Effect on Mood: By linking three words associated with activity, the consonance contributes to an energized mood.
B. Sound Device: consonance—flutter / withered / Summer
Effect on Mood: By repeating an aggressive -er sound, the consonance contributes to a hostile mood.
C. Sound Device: alliteration—Pale / perished / pines
Effect on Mood: By linking three words associated with sadness, the alliteration contributes to a sorrowful mood.
D. Sound Device: alliteration—Pale / perished / pines
Effect on Mood: By repeating a soft p sound, the alliteration contributes to a peaceful mood.

Answer 1

C

The repeated initial "p" in "Pale / perished / pines" is alliteration; it ties those sorrowful words together and emphasizes the image of decay and loss, contributing to the poem's mournful, sorrowful mood.