Question

In Ode on a Grecian Urn, what is the purpose of the many questions the speaker asks about the images on the urn?

• A. To criticize the artistry and skill of the urn's creator
• B. To highlight the mystery and unknowability of the urn’s story
• C. To demonstrate the speaker's knowledge of ancient Greek culture
• D. To provide definitive answers and interpretations of the urn's scenes

Answer 1

Answer:

B. To highlight the mystery and unknowability of the urn’s story

• In Ode on a Grecian Urn, the speaker asks numerous questions about the urn’s images, such as who the figures are and what story is being depicted.

• These questions are not meant to be answered but to emphasize that the urn’s scenes remain mysterious and open to interpretation.

• This highlights the tension between the desire to understand and the limits of knowledge when engaging with ancient art.