Imagery and Figurative Language in Tennyson’s “Morte d’Arthur” — Quiz
Question 8 • English IV
Read the excerpt from "Morte d'Arthur” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. But when he saw the wonder of the hilt, How curiously and strangely chased, he smote His palms together, and he cried aloud, "And if indeed I cast the brand away, Surely a precious thing, one worthy note, Should thus be lost for ever from the earth" What does the imagery in the excerpt most clearly emphasize to readers?
Answer
A
Sir Bedivere’s loyalty to King Arthur
B
Sir Bedivere’s excitement at holding the sword
C
Sir Bedivere’s reluctance to get rid of the sword
Explanation
The description of the hilt as “curiously and strangely chased” draws attention to the sword’s beauty, and Bedivere calls it “a precious thing.” His exclamation that it would be lost forever if he threw it away shows that he is reluctant to get rid of the sword, rather than simply excited to hold it.
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