Question

Match the following excerpts with their authors:

• A. i-a, ii-c, iii-b, iv-d
• B. i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
• C. i-c, ii-a, iii-d, iv-b
• D. i-d, ii-c, iii-b, iv-a

Hint:

When matching authors to excerpts, pay close attention to recurring themes such as human suffering, mortality, and philosophical outlooks.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Analyze each excerpt and match with the correct author.
i. "Rapt, twirling in thy hand a withered spray" refers to a theme of love and loss that is central to Thomas Hardy's work. Hence, this corresponds to author (c) Matthew Arnold.
ii. "Shakespeare one gets acquainted with without knowing how..." is a description that fits the work of Francis Bacon, who reflected on Shakespeare's impact and influence. Therefore, this corresponds to author (d) Francis Bacon.
iii. "It is as natural to die as to be born..." reflects a philosophical statement about life and death, which is characteristic of Thomas Hardy's meditations on human suffering and life. This corresponds to author (b) Thomas Hardy.
iv. "Happiness was but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain" mirrors Bacon's view of the transient nature of happiness, making it fit with author (d).

Step 2: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C). This matches the excerpts to their respective authors.