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!
Question 1
Which word in the poem shows the poet's attitude toward daylight or sunlight?
Responses
A cloudlesscloudless
B darkdark
C gaudygaudy
D starrystarry
Question 2
Which two statements best express the effect of the author's use of diction in the previous question?

Answer 1

Question 1
The word in the poem that shows the poet's attitude toward daylight or sunlight is:
C) gaudy

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Question 2
The two statements that best express the effect of the author's use of diction related to the word "gaudy" are:

1. Byron uses "gaudy" to imply that sunlight is overly showy or ostentatious, contrasting it with the subtle beauty of the night.
2. The choice of "gaudy" suggests a negative connotation associated with the brightness of day, elevating the serene and gentle qualities of the night in comparison.

These statements highlight how Byron's diction reflects a preference for the beauty of the night over the harshness of daylight.