Read this excerpt from “The Rainy Day” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Then, answer the question(s).

Question

The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;

It rains, and the wind is never weary;

The vine still clings to the mouldering1 wall,

But at every gust the dead leaves fall,

5 And the day is dark and dreary.

My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;

It rains, and the wind is never weary;

My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past,

But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,

10 And the days are dark and dreary.

Multiple Choice Question
Which of the following best explains the effect of the repetition of phrases in these two stanzas?
A.
It helps the reader imagine the action described in the poem
B.
It suggests that despite changes, some things remain the same
C.
It provides a contrast between the ideas in the two stanzas.
D.
It emphasizes the comparison between the ideas in the two stan

Answer 1

The best answer to the question regarding the effect of the repetition of phrases in the two stanzas is:

B. It suggests that despite changes, some things remain the same.

This choice accurately reflects how the repeated phrases in both stanzas convey a sense of continuity between the speaker's external environment and their internal emotional state, highlighting the persistent feelings of coldness, darkness, and dreariness despite the different subjects (the day vs. the speaker's life).