4. Read the poem and answer the Following questions A,B and C.
She Walks in Beauty
by Lord Byron
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
A. Answer the following questions.
1. Q: What is the main simile used in the poem, and what does it compare?
A: The main simile is in the first line: "She walks in beauty, like the night / Of cloudless climes and starry skies." It compares the woman’s beauty to the serene and calm beauty of a cloudless night filled with stars. This simile emphasizes the harmonious balance between light and dark in her appearance.
2. Q: What does Byron mean by "all that's best of dark and bright / Meet in her aspect and her eyes"?
A: Byron uses this metaphor to describe how the woman’s beauty combines both dark and light qualities. "Dark" may symbolize mystery or depth, while "bright" could represent radiance or purity. Together, these qualities create a perfect harmony in her appearance, particularly in her eyes.
3. Q: How does Byron describe the woman's inner qualities in the poem?
A: Byron highlights her inner purity and goodness by describing her thoughts as "serenely sweet" and expressing that her face reflects the "pure" and "dear" nature of her mind. He also refers to her "mind at peace" and "heart whose love is innocent," suggesting that her inner tranquility and moral innocence contribute to her outer beauty.
4. Q: What does the phrase "a heart whose love is innocent" imply about the woman?
A: This phrase suggests that the woman’s love is pure, sincere, and untainted by selfishness or deceit. Her innocence of heart reinforces the idea that her beauty is not just physical but also a reflection of her virtuous character.
5. Q: What is the overall theme of the poem "She Walks in Beauty"?
A: The poem’s theme is the harmony between inner and outer beauty. Byron emphasizes that true beauty comes from a balance of external appearance and internal purity. The woman’s serene, gentle beauty reflects not only her physical grace but also her moral goodness and calm spirit.
B. Find out 3 metaphor and 2 simile of the poem.
Answer:
Metaphors in the Poem:
1. "And all that's best of dark and bright / Meet in her aspect and her eyes" (Lines 3-4)
Explanation: The metaphor suggests that the woman's beauty harmoniously combines both "dark" and "bright" qualities, symbolizing a balance between mystery and radiance in her appearance and expression.
2. "Where thoughts serenely sweet express, / How pure, how dear their dwelling-place" (Lines 11-12)
Explanation: The woman's thoughts are metaphorically described as "dwelling" in her face, indicating that her outer beauty reflects the inner purity and goodness of her mind and soul.
3. "A mind at peace with all below, / A heart whose love is innocent" (Lines 17-18)
Explanation: Byron uses the metaphor of a "mind at peace" and a "heart whose love is innocent" to describe the inner qualities of the woman, highlighting her calmness and moral purity.
Similes in the Poem:
1. "She walks in beauty, like the night / Of cloudless climes and starry skies" (Lines 1-2)
Explanation: The woman’s beauty is compared to a peaceful, starry night. This simile evokes a sense of serenity and elegance, emphasizing her calm and gentle beauty, which is as soft and enchanting as a clear night sky.
2. "Thus mellowed to that tender light / Which heaven to gaudy day denies" (Lines 5-6)
Explanation: This simile indirectly compares the "tender light" of her beauty to a heavenly, soft light, something more refined and subtle than the "gaudy" brightness of day. It suggests that her beauty is calm and delicate, not overwhelming or overly showy.
C. Write down main theme of the poem.
Answer: The poem celebrates the serene, harmonious beauty of a woman, focusing not only on her physical appearance but also on the purity and peace of her inner self. Byron uses both metaphors and similes to illustrate how her beauty reflects both the light and dark elements of nature, creating a balanced and graceful presence.
