What two words or phrases in this excerpt from "Thanatopsis" by William Cullen Bryant best help to reveal the meaning of the word blight as it is used in the poem?
She has a voice of gladness, and a smile
And eloquence of beauty, and she glides
Into his darker musings, with a mild
And healing sympathy, that steals away
Their sharpness, ere he is aware. When thoughts
Of the last bitter hour come like a blight
Over thy spirit, and sad images
Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall.
And breathless darkness, and the narrow house,
Make thee to shudder, and grow sick at heart--
Go forth, under the open sky, and list
To Nature's teachings,
pls answer
She has a voice of gladness, and a smile
And eloquence of beauty, and she glides
Into his darker musings, with a mild
And healing sympathy, that steals away
Their sharpness, ere he is aware. When thoughts
Of the last bitter hour come like a blight
Over thy spirit, and sad images
Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall.
And breathless darkness, and the narrow house,
Make thee to shudder, and grow sick at heart--
Go forth, under the open sky, and list
To Nature's teachings,
pls answer
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
"last bitter hour" and "stern agony" are the two phrases that best help to reveal the meaning of the word "blight" as it is used in the poem because they both describe negative and overwhelming experiences that can cause one to feel despair. In this context, "blight" refers to a negative influence or event that can cause harm to one's mental and emotional state, much like how a plant disease can cause harm to a plant. The imagery of the "last bitter hour" and "stern agony" creates a sense of fear and dread, and it is implied that these thoughts can have a detrimental effect on one's well-being, much like how a blight can harm a plant. So the word 'blight' in the poem refers to the negative thoughts and feeling that are associated with the idea of death and final hour.
Answer:
"last bitter hour" and "stern agony"