Question

As the painter looked at the gracious

and comely form he had so skillfully
mirrored in his art, a smile of pleasure
passed across his face, and seemed about
to linger there. But he suddenly started up,
and, closing his eyes, placed his fingers
upon the lids, as though he sought to
imprison within his brain some curious
dream from which he feared he might
awake.
from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
29
Which of the following is the connotative meaning of the word "imprison" as it is
used in this paragraph?
A.
B.
to lock someone up for wrongdoing
to hold onto the image in his mind
OC.
to put or hold in a prison or jail
OD. to mistakenly arrest someone

Answer 1

The word 'imprison' in this paragraph conveys the idea of capturing and preserving a dream or image within one's mind.

Step-by-step explanation:

The connotative meaning of the word 'imprison' as it is used in this paragraph from 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde is to put or hold in a prison or jail. In this context, the painter is metaphorically describing the act of trying to capture and preserve a dream or image within his own mind, as if it is being locked away. The word 'imprison' suggests a sense of confinement and restriction, emphasizing the desire to keep the dream from fading or being lost.

Learn more about The connotative meaning of the word 'imprison' in a literary context