Question

According to Shelley, how does the skylark differ from humans?

• A. The skylark is silent while humans are expressive
• B. The skylark lives underground
• C. The skylark sings without knowledge of death or sorrow
• D. The skylark does not inspire poetry

Answer 1

Answer:

C. The skylark sings without knowledge of death or sorrow

Shelley idealizes the skylark as a being of pure joy, untainted by the knowledge of death, regret, or pain—emotions that haunt human life. This freedom allows the skylark to express itself with unalloyed beauty. Humans, in contrast, are limited by their emotional burdens and awareness of mortality.