Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 86: Answer and Explanation

Question: 86

"Holy Sonnet 10" is an early 1600s poem by John Donne. In the poem, the speaker suggests that death is more of a random process than one of clear destiny: ____________

Which quotation from "Holy Sonnet 10" most effectively illustrates the claim?

  • A. Death, be not proud, though some have called thee / Mighty and dreadful, for thou are not so;
  • B. For those whom thou think'st [Death] dost overthrow / Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
  • C. And soonest our best men with [Death] do go, / Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
  • D. [Death] art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, / And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) By stating that death is a "slave to fate, chance," the poet suggests that death is more of a random process than one of clear destiny, in which the future would be more pre-determined. While the other options all mention death, they do not mention its randomness.

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