Question

"Born but to die, and reasoning but to err”

What are the effects of Pope’s use of parallelism in the line above? Check all that apply.

It creates rhythm.
It creates feelings of hope and optimism.
It draws attention to the phrase “but to.”
It shows the importance of the social contract.
It emphasizes humankind’s contradictory nature.

Answer 1

Correct choices:
- It creates rhythm.
- It draws attention to the phrase “but to.”
- It emphasizes humankind’s contradictory nature.

Brief explanation: The parallel structure produces a balanced, rhythmic line; the repeated “but to” is highlighted by the repetition; and the matching clauses (“born…die,” “reasoning…err”) underline human limitations and contradiction. It is not hopeful/optimistic, nor about the social contract.