Question

select the correct answer. in this excerpt from the poem \thanatopsis\ by william cullen bryant, what is the meaning of the word swain? thine individual being, shalt thou go to mix forever with the elements, to be a brother to the insensible rock and to the sluggish clod, which the rude swain turns with his share, and treads upon. the oak shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mold. a. a young vineyard worker b. a young boy who hunts wild animals c. a young shepherd or country boy d. a very unpleasant person

Explanation:

In the poem, "swain" is described as using a "share" (plowshare) to turn clods, indicating a rural, agricultural role. "Young shepherd or country boy" aligns with this context of a rural laborer.

Answer:

C. a young shepherd or country boy