Question

10.1.2 exam: wrap-up
read the following excerpt from the poem \spring\ by edna st. vincent millay.
to what purpose, april, do you return again?
beauty is not enough.
you can no longer quiet me with the redness
of little leaves opening stickily.
i know what i know.
which best describes the effect of the poem’s word choice on its meaning?
a. the phrase
o longer quiet me\ conveys the speaker’s indignation with april, as if she has been tricked by its beauty.
b. the speaker explains that april provides encouragement with its beauty, which includes the \little leaves opening stickily.\
c. the speaker compares the stickiness of the new red leaves with the rest of spring’s glory to suggest new life
d. the words \purpose\ and \beauty\ suggest that april, and spring in general, is a source of optimism for the speaker.

Explanation:

The speaker’s direct question to April ("To what purpose") and the statement "Beauty is not enough" signal disillusionment. The phrase "no longer quiet me" indicates that April’s beauty (once soothing) now fails to calm the speaker, who feels "tricked" by superficial beauty, aligning with indignation. Options B, C, and D contradict the poem’s tone: B claims encouragement (opposite of disillusionment), C focuses on comparing stickiness (not the main effect), and D suggests optimism (contrary to the speaker’s frustration).

Answer:

A. The phrase "no longer quiet me" conveys the speaker’s indignation with April, as if she has been tricked by its beauty.