Read the poetic excerpt below:
When storm clouds gather on the northern peak,
And ancient winds awaken from their sleep,
The mountain pines begin to bend and speak,
While valleys hold their breath in shadows deep.
Yet in the quiet heart of yonder grove,
A single candle burns against the night,
To whisper solace born of steadfast love,
And shield the weary traveler with its light.
Which of the following best describes the stanzaic structure and rhyme scheme of the excerpt?
- Two quatrains featuring an alternate abab cdcd rhyme schemeAnswer
- BAn Italian octave structured with an enclosed abba abba rhyme scheme
- CTwo quatrains following an enclosed abba cddc rhyme scheme
- DAn eight-line stanza composed of rhyming couplets in an aabb ccdd pattern
Answer
Two quatrains featuring an alternate abab cdcd rhyme scheme
The poem is composed of two four-line stanzas (quatrains). Examining the end-rhymes shows that 'peak' rhymes with 'speak' (a) and 'sleep' rhymes with 'deep' (b) in the first stanza (abab). In the second stanza, 'grove' rhymes with 'love' (c) and 'night' rhymes with 'light' (d), yielding a cdcd pattern. Therefore, the excerpt consists of two quatrains in an abab cdcd rhyme scheme.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Stanzaic Classification and Rhyme Scheme Analysis
Estimated Time:1m 30s