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In the poem "Hanging Fire," what is the significance of the line "and momma’s in the bedroom with the door closed" in terms of "holding back"?

A) She wants to show off her appearance to her mother.
B) She wants to talk to her mom about her worries and is hesitant to approach her.
C) She needs her mother to give her swimming lessons.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The line "and momma’s in the bedroom with the door closed" in the poem "Hanging Fire" suggests the speaker's hesitance in approaching her mother with personal worries, reflecting emotional distance and the theme of holding back.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the poem "Hanging Fire", the line "and momma’s in the bedroom with the door closed" signifies the speaker's sense of isolation and her hesitation to approach her mother with personal concerns. It reflects a barrier between the speaker and the mother—both physical and emotional—highlighting the theme of holding back. The correct answer to the student's question is B) She wants to talk to her mom about her worries and is hesitant to approach her. The line implies the feeling of being held back by the closed door, which serves as a metaphor for communication obstacles and emotional disconnect within the family dynamic. This creates a mood of loneliness and apprehension, as the teenager grapples with her insecurities and the need for maternal support which seems unattainable.

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