Read this excerpt from the passage:
[15] She came to know what heavy housework meant and the odious cares of the kitchen. She washed the dishes, using her dainty fingers and rosy nails on greasy pots and pans. She washed the soiled linen, the shirts and the dishcloths, which she dried upon a line; she carried the slops down to the street every morning and carried up the water, stopping for breath at every landing.
How does the author create a slow pace in this excerpt?
A. The author uses details to postpone revealing events.
B. The author uses character action and shorter sentences.
C. The author presents events in a rapid sequence.
D. The author uses description and complex sentences.
Answer (2)
The author creates a slow pace in the excerpt by using detailed descriptions and complex sentence structures that emphasize the protagonist's monotonous chores. This approach allows the reader to experience the weight and routine of her daily life. The correct answer is D: The author uses description and complex sentences.
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The author creates a slow pace in the excerpt by using option D: 'The author uses description and complex sentences.'
Let's break down how this works:
Description: The author goes into detail about the character's daily chores, like washing dishes and linen, carrying slops, and hauling water up the stairs. These descriptions invite readers to linger over each task, which adds to the sense of a slow pace.
Complex Sentences: The passage includes complex sentence structures, such as 'She washed the dishes, using her dainty fingers and rosy nails on greasy pots and pans.' The use of clauses and additional descriptive information slows down the reading process.
By combining these detailed descriptions with complex sentences, the author ensures that the reader takes their time processing each part of the character's routine, thereby creating a feeling of sluggishness and endurance in the character's daily activities.
