Laughing Song

Question

William Blake

When the green wood laughs with the voice of joy,
And the dimpling stream runs laughing by;
When the air does laugh with our merry wit,
And the green hill laughs with the noise of it;
When the meadows laugh with lively green,
And the grasshopper laughs in the merry scene;
When Mary, and Susan, and Emily
With their sweet round mouths sing, “Ha ha he!”
When the painted birds laugh in the shade,
When our table with cherries and nuts is spread;
Come live, and be merry, and join with me,
To sing the sweet chorus of “Ha ha he!”
Question
This poem uses the word "laughs" to describe several elements of nature. What effect does this give the poem?
Responses
A Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem an immature feel.Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem an immature feel.
B Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a light, happy feel.Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a light, happy feel.
C Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a silly, obnoxious feel.Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a silly, obnoxious feel.
D Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a hollow, ordinary feel.Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a hollow, ordinary feel.

Answer 1

The best response to the effect of using the word "laughs" to describe elements of nature in William Blake's "Laughing Song" is:

B Allowing things in nature the human quality of laughter gives the poem a light, happy feel.

This choice reflects the joyful and carefree tone of the poem, celebrating the natural world and the happiness found within it.