She Walks in Beauty

Question

George Gordon Byron

SHE walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light5
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;10
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,15
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

How does the speaker knows his beloved's heart is innocent?

A. She has dark hair and light skin.
B. The night sky is free of clouds and full of stars.
C. The features of her face express serenity and virtue.
D. Her eyes are bright like daylight.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. The features of her face express serenity and virtue.

In the poem, the speaker describes how the beloved's physical appearance, particularly her serene and calm expression, reflects an inner purity and goodness. Phrases such as "thoughts serenely sweet express" and "a heart whose love is innocent" suggest that her peaceful demeanor is indicative of her virtuous heart.