Question

from essay on man
know then thyself, presume not god to scan,
the proper study of mankind is man.
placd on this isthmus of a middle state,
a being darkly wise, and rudely great:
with too much knowledge for the sceptic¹ side, \t5
with too much weakness for the stoics² pride,
he hangs between; in doubt to act, or rest;
in doubt to deem himself a god, or beast;
in doubt his mind or body to prefer;
born but to die, and reasning but to err;\t10
alike in ignorance, his reason such,
whether he thinks too little or too much:
chaos of thought and passion, all confusd;
still by himself abusd or disabusd;
created half to rise, and half to fall;\t15
great lord of all things, yet a prey to all;
sole judge of truth, in endless error hurld;
the glory, jest, and riddle of the world!
(from essay on man by alexander pope)
¹sceptic: skeptic or doubter
²stoic: tolerant observer
which line best supports the claim that the poet uses contrast to illustrate the essential conflicts of life?
○ 1. \the proper study of mankind is man.\ (line 2)
○ 2. \placd on this isthmus of a middle state.\ (line 3)
○ 3. \alike in ignorance, his reason such,\ (line 11)
○ 4. \great lord of all things, yet a prey to all;\ (line 16)

Explanation:

To determine which line uses contrast for life's essential conflicts, analyze each option:

• Option 1: "The proper study of mankind is man" states a focus, no contrast.
• Option 2: "Plac'd on this isthmus of a middle state" describes a position, no contrast.
• Option 3: "Alike in ignorance, his reason such" shows similarity, not contrast.
• Option 4: "Great lord of all things, yet a prey to all" contrasts "great lord" (powerful) with "prey to all" (vulnerable), illustrating life's conflicts.

Answer:

1. "Great lord of all things, yet a prey to all." (Line 16)