Lord Byron · English Literature

In 'The Prisoner of Chillon', the narrator's hair turns white because of:

  1. Advanced old age and natural decline
  2. Exposure to a chemical compound found in the dungeon
  3. The sudden stress of grief and long imprisonment
  4. A hereditary condition passed down through his family
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Correct answer: The sudden stress of grief and long imprisonment

The poem, based on the historical figure François Bonivard, begins with the lines: 'My hair is grey, but not with years / Nor grew it white / In a single night'. It explores the psychological impact of solitary confinement.

Difficulty: Medium Question 14 of 21

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