2. Line 5 ('Whan Zephirus ... breeth') makes use of which literary device? "Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote, The droghte of March hath perced to the roote, And bathed every veyne in swich licour Of which vertú engendred is the flour, Whan Zephirus eek with his swete breeth Inspired hath in every holt and heeth The tendre croppes..."
Answer: B
Personification is the literary device used in Line 5.
Line 5 employs personification by attributing human qualities to Zephirus, suggesting that he breathes sweetly, which symbolizes the gentle arrival of spring. This device enhances the imagery of nature and its rejuvenating power.
A) Irony
Irony involves a discrepancy between expectation and reality, but this line does not present such a contrast. Instead, it straightforwardly depicts nature in a positive light, thus making irony an incorrect choice in this context.
B) Personification
Personification is the correct answer as it assigns human traits to Zephirus, portraying him as a gentle force that inspires growth in nature. This artistic choice vividly illustrates the transformative impact of spring, enhancing the poem's thematic depth.
C) Paradox
A paradox consists of seemingly contradictory elements that reveal a deeper truth. However, the line does not present any contradictions; rather, it harmoniously describes the nurturing qualities of spring, making paradox an inappropriate choice.
D) Internal rhyme
Internal rhyme refers to rhyming within a single line or between the middle and end of lines. Although the line contains a rhythmic quality, it does not feature internal rhyme, which makes this option incorrect.
E) Direct address
Direct address involves speaking directly to someone or something, which is not the case in this line. The focus is on describing Zephirus rather than addressing him, thereby rendering this option invalid.
Conclusion
Personification is definitively the correct answer as it effectively conveys the essence of spring through human-like attributes assigned to Zephirus. All other options fail to capture the literary technique employed in Line 5, as they either misinterpret the text or do not apply to the context provided.