Question

in \a defence of poetry,\ shelley suggests that the only thing that lasts is change. which line from \mutability\ can also be seen as a reflection of this idea?

or like forgotten lyres, whose dissonant strings
one mood or modulation like the last
we feel, conceive or reason, laugh or weep
nought may endure but mutability

Explanation:

Analyze the prompt's core theme

The prompt asks us to find a line from Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Mutability" that reflects the idea that "the only thing that lasts is change." This requires Comparative Text Analysis to connect the philosophical claim from "A Defence of Poetry" to the poetic lines of "Mutability."

Evaluate the definition of mutability

The word "mutability" itself means the quality of being subject to change or alteration. In Poetry Interpretation, understanding the title and central theme of the poem helps us identify the poet's ultimate message about human existence and impermanence.

Examine the given options

Let's analyze each option to see which one directly states that change is the only constant:

• "Or like forgotten lyres, whose dissonant strings": This line uses a simile comparing humans to forgotten instruments, emphasizing how external forces act upon us, rather than stating that only change endures.
• "One mood or modulation like the last": This describes the fleeting nature of human emotions, but does not state the overarching law of constant change.
• "We feel, conceive or reason, laugh or weep": This lists various human experiences and capacities, showing our varied but transient states.
• "Nought may endure but Mutability": "Nought" means nothing, and "endure" means to last or remain. Therefore, this line translates directly to "Nothing may last except change itself." This perfectly matches the idea that the only constant in life is change.

Answer:

• Or like forgotten lyres, whose dissonant strings
• One mood or modulation like the last
• We feel, conceive or reason, laugh or weep
• Nought may endure but Mutability (Correct answer)