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Difficulty: MediumTypes and Genres of Poetry

Read the stanza below and answer the question that follows:

"Thou silent monitor of passing years,
Whose marble face outlasts our fleeting tears,
To thee we raise this song of solemn praise,
For noble deeds that crowned thy bygone days."

Which genre of poetry is best exemplified by the stanza above?

  1. OdeAnswer
  2. B
    Elegy
  3. C
    Ballad
  4. D
    Dirge

Answer

Ode
An Ode is a form of lyric poetry characterized by a serious, elevated tone, formal style, and direct address (apostrophe) in praise or celebration of its subject matter, as demonstrated by the lines praising the "silent monitor".

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the subject matter and intent of the poetic extract.
The speaker directly addresses an inanimate subject ("Thou silent monitor") in an elevated manner ("raise this song of solemn praise").
Identifying the speaker's purpose and relationship to the subject clarifies the genre.
2
Examine the tone and stylistic markers of the stanza.
The diction ("solemn praise", "noble deeds", "outlasts our fleeting tears") establishes an exalted, respectful tone focused on tribute rather than grief.
Genre classification relies heavily on whether the poem narrates a story, laments a loss, or praises a subject.
3
Match the identified characteristics with poetic subgenre definitions.
Direct apostrophic address combined with formal, dignified praise defines the Ode.
An ode specifically serves to celebrate or meditate upon a subject with elevated language.

Key Concept

Identification of Poetic Genres (Ode)
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Topics

Types and Genres of Poetry

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