Question ldquoo
“On Virtue” is a 1766 poem by Phillis Wheatley. Wheatley addresses the poem directly to the quality of virtue, imploring it to assist her in reaching a future goal: blank
Which quotation from “On Virtue” most effectively illustrates the claim?
“Attend me, Virtue, thro’ my youthful years! / O leave me not to the false joys of time! / But guide my steps to endless life and bliss.”
“we cease to wonder, and no more attempt / Thine height t’explore, or fathom thy profound.”
“O thou bright jewel in my aim we strive / To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare / Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach.”
“But, O my soul, sink not into despair, / Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand / Would now embrace thee, hovers o’er thine head.”
“On Virtue” is a 1766 poem by Phillis Wheatley. Wheatley addresses the poem directly to the
Hard-difficulty · SAT Reading & Writing · Command of Evidence — Choosing the strongest supporting line or detail. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.
Answer explanation
Choice A is the best answer because it most effectively illustrates the claim that Wheatley addresses her poem "On Virtue" to the quality of virtue, imploring it to assist her in reaching a future goal. In the quotation, Wheatley begs virtue to accompany her, or "attend [her]," through her youth and to "guide [her] steps to" the future goal of "endless life and bliss."
Choice B is incorrect because this quotation suggests the difficulty of fully comprehending virtue. Rather than asking virtue for help, Wheatley presents it as a quality that is impossible to entirely understand because it is so grand and deep. Choice C is incorrect because this quotation describes Wheatley’s effort to comprehend virtue despite virtue itself declaring that such wisdom is beyond her grasp, or "higher than a fool can reach." Choice D is incorrect because rather than asking virtue for help in this quotation, Wheatley urges herself to "sink not into despair" because virtue is always nearby.
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