2
QuizMultiple Choice

Poetic Structure in Pope’s Essay on Man

Question 2 • CARE_24_25_TX-English IV A

Which lines are the best example of antithesis?

Answer
A
Know, then, thyself, presume not God to scan;The proper study of mankind is man.
B
Placed on this isthmus of a middle state,A being darkly wise, and rudely great:
C
Created half to rise, and half to fall; Great lord of all things, yet a prey to all;
D
Go, soar with Plato to th’ empyreal sphere,To the first good, first perfect, and first fair

Explanation

Antithesis places contrasting ideas in parallel phrasing. Choice C contrasts “half to rise” with “half to fall,” then “lord of all things” with “a prey to all,” showing opposing sides of human nature. The other choices describe or address humanity without such a clear pairing of opposites.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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