Question

critical skills practice for love sonnets
directions: read the passage then answer the question below.
\when distance sets your shadow far from mine,
i trace your voice in echoes of the night.
though time may steal the golden hours that shine,
loves steadfast flame still keeps its constant light.\
question: what does the word steadfast most nearly mean as it is used in line 4?
changing quickly
firm and unwavering
hidden and mysterious
small and unimportant

Explanation:

In the context of the sonnet, the phrase "Love's steadfast flame still keeps its constant light" implies that despite time ("Though time may steal the golden hours that shine"), love remains unchanged. The word "steadfast" is paired with "constant", which suggests firmness and unwaveringness. "Changing quickly" is the opposite of what the poem conveys. "Hidden and mysterious" has no relation to the context of the poem which is about the endurance of love. "Small and unimportant" also does not fit as the poem emphasizes the significance of love's light.

Answer:

Firm and unwavering