Beowulf by Eddie McPherson and The Lady Shallot by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Question

Use the passages to answer the question. Select Passage 1 and Passage 2.
Which statement explains the poetic element that these passages have in common?
(1 point)
• They both lack a rhyme scheme.
• They are both sonnets.
• They are both ballads.
• They both use a dramatic structure.

Answer 1

To determine which statement explains the poetic element that the passages from "Beowulf" by Eddie McPherson and "The Lady of Shalott" by Alfred Lord Tennyson have in common, we can analyze the characteristics of each text.

1. "Beowulf" is an epic poem and does not follow a traditional rhyme scheme. It is structured with alliteration and uses a form of verse that is characteristic of Old English poetry. It is not a sonnet, nor is it a ballad or specifically noted for a dramatic structure.

2. "The Lady of Shalott" is a narrative poem that has a more lyrical quality but also does not follow a strict rhyme scheme. It is not a sonnet but uses a regular pattern in its stanzas. It could be considered to have a dramatic structure as it tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Given these points, the correct answer would likely be:

• They both lack a rhyme scheme.

However, if the focus was on structure rather than rhyme, one could argue for the dramatic structure in "The Lady of Shalott". But since neither text strictly adheres to traditional rhyme, the first option is the safest choice based on the information provided.