“Mutability” and “A Defence of Poetry” by Percy Bysshe Shelley — Quiz
Question 10 • British Literature and Composition
In "A Defence of Poetry,” Shelley suggests that thoughts and feelings in life are "always arising unforeseen and departing unbidden.” Which lines from "Mutability” also reflect the idea that life is fleeting?
Answer
A
We are as clouds that veil the midnight moon; How restlessly they speed, and gleam, and quiver
B
Or like forgotten lyres, whose dissonant strings Give various response to each varying blast
C
We rest.—A dream has power to poison sleep; We rise.—One wandering thought pollutes the day
D
We feel, conceive or reason, laugh or weep; Embrace fond woe, or cast our cares away
Explanation
Choice A compares people to clouds that “restlessly” speed past the moon, suggesting that life and human experience are temporary and constantly changing. The image directly reflects thoughts and feelings that arise and depart without warning. Choice B focuses more on how people respond differently to changing influences.
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