Question

milton! thou shouldst be living at this hour. england hath need of thee: she is a fen of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen, fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower, have forfeited their ancient english dower of inward happiness. we are selfish men; oh! raise us up, return to us again; and give us manners, virtue, freedom, power. thy soul was like a star, and dwelt apart; thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea: pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free, so didst thou travel on lifes common way, in cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart what does the personification \she is a fen of stagnant waters\ used in lines 2 - 3 mean? 1. nature can be beautiful as well as destructive and harmful. 2. excessive rain has threatened englands ability to fulfill its destiny. 3. englands many problems prevent it from progressing as a nation. 4. freedom requires examining ones faults and taking steps to improve.

Explanation:

The personification "she is a fen of stagnant waters" uses "stagnant waters" to symbolize England's stagnation due to problems hindering progress.

Answer:

1. England's many problems prevent it from progressing as a nation.