How does the metaphor of "heaven's cherubim horsed upon the sightless couriers of the air" impact the reader's perception of the impending murder?


AIt creates a sense of divine approval for the murder.
BIt portrays the murder as an act sanctioned by the heavens.
CIt implies that heavenly beings will witness and condemn the act.
DIt suggests that the murder is insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Verified Answer :

Final answer:

The metaphor of 'heaven's cherubim horsed upon the sightless couriers of the air' suggests a complex interplay between divine presence and human action regarding the impending murder. It raises questions about moral approval and accountability from a higher power, while also hinting at the potential insignificance of such actions in the cosmic scale. This duality enriches the reader's understanding of the tragedy's themes.


Explanation:

The Metaphor's Impact on Reader's Perception

The metaphor of "heaven's cherubim horsed upon the sightless couriers of the air" evokes a rich tapestry of imagery that influences readers' perceptions of the impending murder. This phrase suggests that divine beings, typically seen as guardians or witnesses of moral conduct, are enmeshed in the actions about to unfold. The implications of this metaphor can be analyzed as follows:

  1. It creates a sense of divine approval for the murder. By invoking cherubs, the metaphor may suggest that the act is not just a human folly but has a higher sanction, thereby raising moral questions.
  2. It portrays the murder as an act sanctioned by the heavens. This gives a sense of inevitability, as though the murder is part of a preordained fate directed by cosmic forces.
  3. It implies that heavenly beings will witness and condemn the act. While initially appearing to grant approval, it could also suggest that these divine watchers will hold the murderer accountable, hence intensifying the moral weight of the act.
  4. It suggests that the murder is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The metaphor can imply that even with divine presence, such human actions can appear trivial against the backdrop of eternity.

Ultimately, the metaphor serves as a significant device in emphasizing the weight of the murder act and the cosmic ramifications tied to human actions.


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