Question

What function is served by the alliterative phrase: like so many merchantmen in a money making metropolis?

A. It describes the nature and social stratification of a colony of bees along the frontier.
B. It emphasizes the commitment of the bees to their work and obliviousness to their plight.
C. It foreshadows the wealth that will eventually be earned by the white settlers.
D. It acts as a voice of morality with respect to the westward expansion.

Answer 1

The alliterative phrase emphasizes the bees' commitment to work and obliviousness, paralleling the bustling human activity in a wealth-driven society. The correct option is B. It emphasizes the commitment of the bees to their work and obliviousness to their plight.

Step-by-step explanation:

The alliterative phrase "like so many merchantmen in a money making metropolis" serves primarily to emphasize the commitment of the bees to their work and their obliviousness to their plight, mirroring the hustle and industriousness of humans in a mercantilist or capitalist society.

This alliteration is not just a stylish literary device but also aids in drawing a parallel between the labor of the bees and the labor of humans in pursuit of wealth and survival. Alliteration creates a rhythmic flow that resembles the busy and constant movement found in a metropolis, thereby providing a vivid imagery of activity and emphasizing the thematic elements of the text.