Final answer:
The meaning of the underlined text in a passage is analyzed through literary devices, rhetorical strategies, and the language's connotations, often highlighting the writer's intent and thematic development.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we discuss the meaning of the underlined text in a passage, we are often referring to an analysis of its literary devices, rhetorical strategies, and the connotations and denotations of the language used. Assessing the writer's intent, whether to meet or challenge conventional expectations, is also key to understanding the text's rhetorical effectiveness. This process involves careful close reading to unpack the language, examining how the author develops theme or main ideas, and identifying patterns in word choices that evoke specific connotations and themes such as death, decline, and decay. Moreover, recognizing how literary form, such as symbolism and character development, supports the interpretation of themes, such as the perceived danger of female sexuality, becomes pivotal in textual analysis.