This question refers to the first soliloquy in the play "Everyman." A soliloquy is a speech that is made by a character who is alone on stage. A soliloquy can be either addressed to the audience or consist of spoken thought.
In this soliloquy, we see that Everyman is feeling guilty and repentant about his situation. Everyman has pursued material goods his whole life, and has ignored the importance of good deeds. However, Everyman will get the opportunity, as the play develops, to improve his situation and make up for his mistakes.
The phrase "mechanically fastened another button of his shirt and did not reply" shows that "absently" means not paying attention.
<h3>The meaning of "absently"</h3>
It is common for authors to use context clues when they introduce a word readers may not know. Context clues are pieces of information that help readers figure out the meaning of that word.
In the passage we are analyzing here, it is possible to infer the meaning of "absently" when we read the phrase that says "mechanically fastened another button." When we do something mechanically, we do it automatically, without giving it much thought.
In other words, we do it without paying attention. That is precisely what "absently" mean. Thus, the phrase helps us figure out the meaning of "absently."
Learn more about context clues here:
brainly.com/question/24750804
Answer:
The poet is seeking to contrast the present loss with the idealized past
Explanation:
