Complete Exam Guide Subject-wise practice platform
John Donne · English Literature

In 'The Sun Rising', why does the speaker scold the sun?

  1. For causing a long drought that ruined the countryside harvest
  2. For interrupting the lovers and being a 'busy old fool'
  3. For setting far too early on a cold winter morning
  4. For being less brilliant than his mistress's shining eyes
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: For interrupting the lovers and being a 'busy old fool'

Donne uses an apostrophe to challenge the sun's authority, claiming that love is not subject to time or seasons. He eventually commands the sun to shine only on the lovers' bed, as that would be equivalent to shining on the whole world.

Difficulty: Medium Question 7 of 20

Practice all 20 John Donne questions

Keep practicing

More John Donne questions