1. Which is the best summary of the meaning conveyed by the stanza that describes Venus's competing feelings of hope and despair?
(a) Both of these extreme emotions are ridiculous and problematic for Venus, but she cannot help vacillating between them because she is in love.
(b) Venus is making a spectacle of herself by wildly veering between hope and despair, and her lack of common sense implies that what she calls love is more likely lust.
(c) Because Venus does not know the outcome yet, it is best for her to focus on hope, because at least in the interim she has one last chance to be happy.
(d) The fear of loss makes it almost impossible to hold on to hope, but part of being in love is allowing oneself to be vulnerable and take emotional risks.

2. What event causes the speaker to say that "The night of sorrow now is turn’d to day" (line 481)?
(a) Helios feels jealous of Adonis.
(b) Adonis kisses Venus.
(c) Venus agrees to let Adonis leave.
(d) The stallion returns to Adonis.

3. Where does Venus go first thing in the morning?
(a) A myrtle grove.
(b) A mossy hillock.
(c) A copse of oaks.
(d) A garden pond.

4. In line 868, "She hearkens for his hounds and for his horn," which technique best conveys Venus's straining to hear a quiet, far-off sound?
(a) Imagery.
(b) Diction.
(c) Tone.
(d) Alliteration.

5. What motif recurs throughout the description of the horse's courage and desire?
(a) Water.
(b) Flight.
(c) Heat.
(d) Justice.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which is the best characterization of the connotations of Venus's description of "fountains" (line 234) and "rising hillocks" in her description of the park (line 237)?

2. What does Venus refer to as "ugly, meagre, lean"?

3. Which is the best interpretation of line 600, in which Venus is said "To clip Elysium and to lack her joy"?

4. What critique does the speaker offer of Venus's song?

5. To what does Venus compare her own lips when she says that Adonis's lips are "sweet seals in my soft lips imprinted" (line 511)?

(see the answer key)

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