Question

Which line in the poem London, 1802 by William Wordsworth uses metonymy to refer to art and literature? Milton! thou shouldst be living at this hour: England hath need of thee: she is a fen Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen, Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower, Have forfeited their ancient English dower Of inward happiness. We are selfish men; Oh! raise us up, return to us again; And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power. Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart: Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea: Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free, So didst thou travel on life's common way, In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart The lowliest duties on herself did lay.

Answer 1

Answer: The right answer is "she is a fen Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen, Fireside [...]."

Explanation: These are all references to various institutions and disciplines: "altar" stands for religion, "sword" represents the military, and "pen" represents literature. This is an example of metonymy because the writer is replacing those names (religion, literature) with names of things that are closely related to them (altar, pen). By doing so, his text is more concise, more creative, more symbolic and, therefore, more engaging and intellectually deep. In this poem, Wordsworth is invoking fellow poet Milton, who lived in the 17th century, since their country desperately needs him.      

Answer 2

"of stagnant waters: alter, sword, and pen.."