Question

Read the excerpt from "Shout: A Poetry Memoir.”

There was a slight delay in joining the team
while I learned to swim in water deeper
than six inches. But then I traded muddy ponds
for cement swimming pools in schools
and parks all over the city, tadpoling
backstroking, butterflying, freestyling
until my body leaned, gleamed, hardened
into a core of speed
with a snaggletoothed grin.

Which detail best contributes to the triumphant tone of this excerpt? a.“while I learned to swim in water deeper / than six inches”
b.“But then I traded muddy ponds / for cement swimming pools”
c.“tadpoling / backstroking, butterflying, freestyling”
d.“until my body leaned, gleamed, hardened / into a core of speed”

Answer 1

Answer: d. "until my body leaned, gleamed, hardened / into a core of speed"

Explanation: This detail conveys a sense of accomplishment and success. The use of words like "leaned," "gleamed," and "hardened" suggests physical and personal growth. It indicates that the speaker's body has transformed into a powerful and strong force, symbolizing their achievement in swimming. The phrase "into a core of speed" further emphasizes the speaker's triumphant development and mastery of swimming skills.