Question

What does the term ‘swan song’ mean?

a)A poem about swans
b)A famous poem by a poet
c)The last work of a writer
d)A literary work in praises of birds

Answer 1

Hint: The term swan song originates from the legend that, while they are mute during the rest of their lives, swans sing beautifully and mournfully just before they die as the last thing in the act of living.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Before attempting the question let us look into the facts we have on the statement ‘swan song’ - As we know that the term originates from the legends that swans sing beautifully and mournfully just before they die as the last act in the world of the living, i.e. it is their last act before departing.
We must also acknowledge the fact that - according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase ‘swan song’ is borrowed from the German word – ‘Schwanen (ge) san or schwanenlied.
Now, understand that the phrase can be used in two contexts ( as it can relate to two meanings)–
A)A song of great sweetness sung by a dying swan (as per rumors), and
B)A farewell appearance or the final act of a person’s career.
Now, in the above given (question) context, the appropriate solution would be the one given in option – ‘c’, i.e. the last work of a writer. Therefore, option ‘c’ is the correct solution
Why are we not considering other options as an appropriate solution?
Well, the other options are incorrect because they hold no resemblance or relation to the phrase ‘swan song’ and its usage in the English language.

Note: Before attempting the question properly understand the meaning of the phrase that way you will easily eliminate the unwanted options.