Final answer:
Annie Dillard's usage of 'wrong' in 'Total Eclipse' highlights the unexpected and striking nature of the eclipse, contributing to the surreal and dramatic tone of the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Annie Dillard’s “Total Eclipse,” the author’s use of the word “wrong” primarily highlights the unexpected and unusual nature of the eclipse. Rather than suggesting mistakes in observation or disapproval of the eclipse, or creating doubt, it underscores the dramatic departure from normality that an eclipse represents. This use of language enhances the surreal experience the author conveys to the reader, as it challenges the typical, often romantic, perceptions and associations we have with natural phenomena such as a total solar eclipse. Notably, during a total solar eclipse, the umbra of the Moon’s shadow reaches Earth, leading to an awe-inspiring spectacle where traditional sources of light and points of reference are temporarily obscured, which is well-aligned with the sentiment expressed by Dillard.