Question

read the passage from chapter 17 of the prince.
against my will, my fate
a throne unsettled, and an infant state,
bid me defend my realms with all my powrs,
and guard with these severities my shores.
in this passage by the roman poet virgil, queen dido speaks about the responsibilities of a ruler. how does the phrase infant state in the second line affect the tone?
○ it changes the tone to make it more threatening.
○ it supports the overall tone of fear.
○ it changes the tone to become more serious.
○ it suggests a tone of loving concern.

Explanation:

The phrase "infant state" describes a new, vulnerable, unestablished realm. Queen Dido is forced to defend this fragile state, which emphasizes the gravity and weight of her duty, shifting the tone to one of solemn gravity. The other options do not fit: it is not threatening, the core is not fear, and it is not warm loving concern but serious responsibility.

Answer:

It changes the tone to become more serious.