Question

The phrase 'the hot red acres smoulder' implies a comparison. What things are compared, and how are they similar?

A) The sun and the moon, both luminous in the sky.
B) The girl and a radiant star, both shining brightly.
C) The land and smoldering embers, both radiating heat and intensity.
D) The ocean and a calm lake, both bodies of water.

Answer 1

The phrase compares the land to smoldering embers, suggesting heat and intensity, similar to the sunset's red hue or the fiery nature of a star. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase 'the hot red acres smolder' implies a comparison between C) the land and smoldering embers, both of which radiate heat and have an intensity akin to a fire's aftermath.

What is being evoked here is an image of the land appearing as if it's on fire, without the flames, portraying a vivid depiction of a sun-scorched landscape much like the glowing remnants of a fireplace.

This is similar to how we observe the reddening of the Sun as it sets, further enhancing the red and hot imagery associated with the smoldering land. Additionally, when we look at a star, which is essentially a fire, our mind reconciles the literal and symbolic aspects portrayed by such a comparison.