Question

What is telling about the

imagery of the tide that marks
the unraveling of love for
Trysdale in O. Henry's "The
Cactus"?
"For the thousandth time he
remarshalled in his mind the
events of those last few days
before the tide had so
suddenly turned."
A. The tide comes in each day which gives
one a chance to learn each and every day.
B. Once the tide turns you have to forget
and leave it in the past.
C. When the tide turns, you lose control of
what happens next, as Trysdale did with
shared love.

Answer 1

The imagery of the tide in O. Henry's "The Cactus" symbolizes the unraveling of love for Trysdale, representing a loss of control and uncertainty in the relationship.

Step-by-step explanation:

The imagery of the tide in O. Henry's "The Cactus" is telling about the unraveling of love for Trysdale because it represents a shift in the control and direction of the relationship. The line "For the thousandth time he remarshalled in his mind the events of those last few days before the tide had so suddenly turned" suggests that Trysdale is reflecting on the events leading up to the change in his love life. This imagery illustrates the loss of control and uncertainty that comes when the tide turns, mirroring Trysdale's experience of losing control over the love he once shared with someone.

Learn more about imagery in literature