What is the effect of the couplets in both “The Author to Her Book” and “A Hymn to the Evening”?

They guide the poet in planning the poem.
They help the poet create a simple rhyming pattern.
They help the poet break the poem into simple parts.
They allow a poet to link lines of poetry together using sound.

9 answers

The effect of the couplets in both “The Author to Her Book” and “A Hymn to the Evening” is that they allow a poet to link lines of poetry together using sound.

Couplets, which consist of two lines of verse that typically rhyme, create a rhythmic and cohesive structure. This not only enhances the musicality of the poem but also helps to draw connections between ideas and themes explored within the lines. The use of couplets can also create a sense of completeness and closure within the individual units of the poem.

In paragraph three of Common Sense, why does Paine use the phrases "precariousness of human affairs," "while we have it in our power," and "time and chance"?
to evoke in colonists a fear of fighting against a world superpower
to evoke in colonists the need for urgency in their quest for independence
to instill in colonists a desire to take up arms against their oppressor
to instill in colonists a respect for peaceful negotiations

In paragraph three of "Common Sense," Paine uses the phrases "precariousness of human affairs," "while we have it in our power," and "time and chance" to evoke in colonists the need for urgency in their quest for independence.

These phrases highlight the uncertainty and unpredictability of the current situation, stressing that the opportunity for change may not last. Paine aims to motivate the colonists to act decisively and seize the moment to pursue independence before circumstances shift in a way that makes it more difficult or impossible. He calls for immediate action rather than prolonged deliberation or inaction.

Read the quotation from "A Hymn to the Evening".

"Let placid slumbers sooth each weary mind,
At morn to wake more heav'nly, more refin'd”

These lines contain an example of
simile.
metaphor.
hyperbole.
synecdoche.

The lines from "A Hymn to the Evening" contain an example of metaphor.

In these lines, the concepts of “placid slumbers” and “more heav'nly, more refin'd” are not meant to be taken literally; rather, they suggest a deeper meaning about the peace and purity that can be attained through rest and renewal. The comparison between sleep and a state of refinement or heavenly quality indicates metaphorical language.

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.

“There are injuries which nature cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did.”

Paine uses this language to show that
the king deserves punishment for his behavior toward the colonies.
the king’s oppressive actions against the colonies are inexcusable.
the colonists will mend their relationship with the king if he promises them independence.
the colonies will eventually heal from the wounds inflicted by the king.

In this excerpt from "Common Sense," Paine uses the language to show that the king’s oppressive actions against the colonies are inexcusable.

By stating that "there are injuries which nature cannot forgive," Paine emphasizes the severity and irreparability of the king's actions toward the colonies. He suggests that such injustices are fundamentally against the natural order and, therefore, cannot be condoned. This reflects the urgent need for the colonies to respond to and rectify these grievances.

Which of the following is written correctly?
In June 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, and it was formally adopted by Congress on July 4 of that year.
In June 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, it was formally adopted by Congress on July 4 of that year.
In June 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence that was formally adopted by Congress on July 4 of that year.
In June 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, it was formally adopted by Congress; on July 4 of that year.

The first option is written correctly:

"In June 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, and it was formally adopted by Congress on July 4 of that year."

This sentence is correct because it uses a coordinating conjunction ("and") to connect two independent clauses properly. The other options contain grammatical errors or improper punctuation.