<p>These question are based on selected poems from Ker, D.et al (eds.)New poetry from Africa; Soyinka, (ed.): Poems of Black Africa; Senanu K.E. and Vincent, T.(eds.): A Selection of African poetry;Umukoro, M et al (eds.): Exam focus:Literature in English: Eruvbetine, A.E.et al (eds): Longman Examination Guide and Nwoga, D.I. (eds.): West African Verse.<br> <br> The poet persona in Marvell's To His Coy Mistress is willing to praise the ladies eyes for</p>

Question 187 of 327

These question are based on selected poems from Ker, D.et al (eds.)New poetry from Africa; Soyinka, (ed.): Poems of Black Africa; Senanu K.E. and Vincent, T.(eds.): A Selection of African poetry;Umukoro, M et al (eds.): Exam focus:Literature in English: Eruvbetine, A.E.et al (eds): Longman Examination Guide and Nwoga, D.I. (eds.): West African Verse.

The poet persona in Marvell's To His Coy Mistress is willing to praise the ladies eyes for

A. six decades
B. two centuries
C. a century
D. thirty thousand years

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

The correct option for the question regarding the poet persona in Andrew Marvell's poem "To His Coy Mistress" is C. a century. Explanation of the Correct Answer

Understanding the Poem: "To His Coy Mistress" is a metaphysical poem that explores themes of love, time, and seduction. The speaker addresses a woman who is hesitant to engage in a romantic relationship, expressing his desire for her and the lengths he would go to if time were not a constraint.
Analyzing the Text: In the poem, the speaker begins by outlining how he would praise the lady's eyes and beauty if he had all the time in the world. He mentions specific time frames to illustrate his devotion:
He states that he would spend "thou, by the Indian Ganges' side" for "thou shouldst, if you were to be coy, I would spend time praising you for thousands of years."
The specific line that refers to the time frame is: "Love you ten years before the Flood," which refers to the biblical flood, and "two hundred to adore each breast," which is a hyperbolic expression of his admiration.
Identifying the Correct Option: The phrase "a century" is the most accurate representation of the time frame mentioned in the poem. The speaker suggests that if he had the time, he would spend a century praising her beauty, which aligns with the overall theme of the poem where he emphasizes the vastness of time in relation to his love.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

A. Six decades: This option is incorrect because the poem does not specifically mention six decades. While the speaker does talk about long periods of time, six decades is not one of the time frames he uses.
B. Two centuries: This option is also incorrect. Although the speaker mentions spending a long time adoring her, he does not specify two centuries. The hyperbolic nature of the poem suggests even longer periods, but two centuries is not explicitly stated.
D. Thirty thousand years: This option is an exaggeration that does not appear in the poem. While the speaker uses hyperbole to express his feelings, thirty thousand years is not a time frame mentioned in the text. It is too extreme and does not align with the more reasonable time frames discussed in the poem.

Summary of Key Points

The correct answer is C. a century, as it accurately reflects the time frame mentioned in Marvell's poem.
The poem uses hyperbole to express the speaker's deep admiration and desire, emphasizing the theme of love against the backdrop of time.
Other options (A, B, D) do not accurately represent the time frames discussed in the poem and are therefore incorrect.
Understanding the context and themes of the poem is crucial for interpreting the speaker's intentions and the significance of time in romantic relationships.

This thorough analysis should help you grasp the nuances of Marvell's poem and prepare effectively for your exam.