Imagery and Figurative Language in Tennyson's "Morte d'Arthur"; Assignment
Thou therefore take my brand Excalibur, Which was my pride: for thou rememberest how In those old days, one summer noon, an arm Rose up from out the bosom of the lake, Clothed in white samite, mystic, wonderful, Holding the sword—and how I row'd across And took it, and have worn it, like a king: And, wheresoever I am sung or told In aftertime, this also shall be known -"Morte d'Arthur," Alfred, Lord Tennyson Which phrase contains a metaphor? Which phrase contains a simile?
"take my brand Excalibur, / Which was my pride" "and have worn it, like a king"
Which lines from the poem contain personification? Check all that apply.
2. "A cry that shiver'd to the tingling stars" 4. "Old knights, and over them the sea-wind sang"
Thou therefore take my brand Excalibur, Which was my pride: for thou rememberest how In those old days, one summer noon, an arm Rose up from out the bosom of the lake, Clothed in white samite, mystic, wonderful, Holding the sword—and how I row'd across And took it, and have worn it, like a king: And, wheresoever I am sung or told In aftertime, this also shall be known -"Morte d'Arthur," Alfred, Lord Tennyson What do the metaphor and simile identified in this passage most strongly emphasize?
B. the importance of Excalibur to King Arthur
There drew he forth the brand Excalibur, And o'er him, drawing it, the winter moon, Brightening the skirts of a long cloud, ran forth And sparkled keen with frost against the hilt: For all the haft twinkled with diamond sparks, Myriads of topaz-lights, and jacinth-work Of subtlest jewellery. He gazed so long That both his eyes were dazzled, as he stood, This way and that dividing the swift mind, In act to throw: but at the last it seem'd Better to leave Excalibur conceal'd -"Morte d'Arthur," Alfred, Lord Tennyson What does the imagery in this passage help readers imagine?
B. the moon's light reflecting off the sword
There drew he forth the brand Excalibur, And o'er him, drawing it, the winter moon, Brightening the skirts of a long cloud, ran forth And sparkled keen with frost against the hilt: For all the haft twinkled with diamond sparks, Myriads of topaz-lights, and jacinth-work Of subtlest jewellery. He gazed so long That both his eyes were dazzled, as he stood, This way and that dividing the swift mind, In act to throw: but at the last it seem'd Better to leave Excalibur conceal'd -"Morte d'Arthur," Alfred, Lord Tennyson What does the imagery identified in this passage help readers understand?
C. why Bedivere would want to keep the sword