84. The author of the excerpt is? "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: D
The author of the excerpt is Geoffrey Chaucer.
The passage is a well-known opening from Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," specifically the Prologue. This work is recognized for its rich depiction of spring and the themes of renewal and pilgrimage.
A) Robert Herrick
Robert Herrick was a contemporary of Chaucer, known for his lyrical poetry. However, his works do not include the excerpt provided, which is distinctly attributed to Chaucer and reflects the latter's style and themes.
B) John Milton
John Milton, famous for his epic poem "Paradise Lost," wrote in a different era and style compared to Chaucer. The excerpt's focus on nature and the arrival of spring aligns more closely with Chaucer's body of work rather than Milton's themes of theology and politics.
C) Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Alfred, Lord Tennyson was a Victorian poet whose works often explored themes of love and loss. The excerpt does not match Tennyson's style or subject matter, further confirming that Chaucer is the correct author of this passage.
D) Geoffrey Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer is indeed the author of the excerpt. His use of the English vernacular and the vivid imagery of springtime in this passage are hallmarks of his poetry, establishing him as the definitive author of this work.
E) Mary Sidney Herbert
Mary Sidney Herbert, while a notable poet and translator, did not write this excerpt. Her works are distinct and do not align with the themes or style present in the passage, making her an incorrect choice.
Conclusion
Geoffrey Chaucer is the correct author of the excerpt, as it perfectly exemplifies his poetic style and thematic focus on nature and renewal. The other options fail to match the context or style of the passage, confirming Chaucer's unique position as the writer of this celebrated opening from "The Canterbury Tales."