Question

Use a dictionary to determine the meanings of the words sentry and gaggles. What is the effect of the writer's choice of words to describe a “sentry-like” boulder and “gaggles” of cousins?

Answer 1

Sentry: A soldier posted to maintain the security of a location

Gaggle: Disorderly, noisy crowd

Step-by-step explanation:

Sentry: a soldier posted to maintain security or manage access to a location

A disorderly or noisy crowd is referred to as a gaggle.

The author is likely describing the bolder and providing you with additional information by using the adjective sentry-like to imply that the bolder is stationary or appears to be stationed there under orders not to move.

By using the word "gaggles," the author is likely alluding to the presence of numerous cousins in one location and using a single word to describe how the situation is almost chaotic with so many people speaking loudly at once.