Essay Questions

How does “A Portrait” exemplify Classic Art?

First, “thoughtful in youth, but not austere in age” protracts the concept of harmony whereby the portrait does not generate a sombre imagery. Second, “Calm, but not cold, and cheerful though a sage,” communicates emotional objectivity; the portrait is neither stony nor exaggeratedly jolly. Moreover, the portrait is idealized because it is “Too true to flatter and too kind to sneer” which means that the portrait’s imitations are is optimally equalized.

How would you characterize the “cabin passenger” and the “ Man at the Wheel” in “A Sea Dialogue”?

The Cabin passenger is conversational and dynamic for he initiates a dialogue with “the Man at the Wheel.” He dictates the dialogue based on the extensive assertions that he makes regarding the sea. Comparatively, the ‘man at the wheel’ is predominantly taciturn. The ‘man at the wheel’s’ input in the discourse is made up of single responses: “Belay!” and “A vast” and the disjointed rejoinder: “Belay y'r jaw, y' swab! y' hoss-marine!...Ay, ay, Sir! Stiddy, Sir! Sou'wes' b' sou'!” Clearly, the Cabin passenger appreciates the existence at sea. However, it would be difficult to discern the “man at the wheel’s” discernment about reality on the sea because his rejoinders are illogical and scanty.