Correct option is B
In a pastoral elegy, the narrator is often depicted as a shepherd, which aligns with the rustic and idyllic themes of pastoral poetry. The shepherd expresses grief for a deceased companion, often symbolizing the poet’s personal loss. Notable examples include
Milton’s “Lycidas” and
Shelley’s “Adonais.”
Information Booster:
1.
Pastoral poetry: Set in an idealized countryside, pastoral elegies focus on rural life and simplicity.
2.
Symbolism: The shepherd often symbolizes the poet or a mourning figure.
3.
Historical roots: This tradition stems from Greek and Roman poetry, notably by Theocritus and Virgil.
4.
Examples: "Lycidas" by Milton, "Adonais" by Shelley, and "Thyrsis" by Arnold.
5.
Key features: Rural imagery, mourning, and consolation.
Additional Knowledge:
(A)
A musician: While music and laments are part of pastoral themes, the narrator in a pastoral elegy is more traditionally a shepherd. (C)
A painter: Painters are not associated with the tradition of pastoral elegies, as they do not align with its literary origins. (D)
A sculptor: Similarly, sculptors do not hold relevance to the literary or symbolic traditions of pastoral elegies.