Read the extract below and answer the question: ......O, when mine eyes did see Olivia first, Me thought she purged the air of pestilence; That instant was,...

Assessment: WAEC SSCE - Literature In English - 1999 (Objective) Subject: Literature In English

Question 1 Report

Read the extract below and answer the question:

......O, when mine eyes did see Olivia first,
Me thought she purged the air of pestilence;
That instant was, I turned into a hert,
And my desires, like fell and cruel hounds,
E'er since pursue me.
(Act 1, Scene 1)

The effect of the figure of speech is to highlight Olivia's
Answer Details
The figure of speech used in the extract is a simile, comparing Olivia's appearance to purging the air of pestilence. The effect of this simile is to highlight Olivia's beauty and purity. The speaker, Duke Orsino, is expressing how he was immediately struck by Olivia's beauty and how it captured his heart. The comparison to purging the air of pestilence suggests that Olivia's appearance is not only attractive but also refreshing and cleansing, which emphasizes her purity and goodness. Therefore, the correct answer is "beauty and purity".

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