Question

Which of the following is an instance of antithesis? [Advanced]

• A. "Time's clashing hosts above thine innocent head" (line 50782)
• B. "We of the living flesh and restless brain" (line 68119)
• C. "The fleeting gleams of joy, the fruitless tears" (line 69200)
• D. The poem does not contain an instance of antithesis

Answer 1

The correct option is C "The fleeting gleams of joy, the fruitless tears" (line 69200)

Antithesis refers to contrasting things,ideas, persons, etc. put together to draw a reader or a listener's attention. Option C)"The fleeting gleams of joy, the fruitless tears" (line 19) is correct as the two contrasting ideas of joy and tears (sorrow) are put together to enhance the expression. The other options are wrong as they do not contain contrasting ideas. The correct answer is C)"The fleeting gleams of joy, the fruitless tears" (line 19).