Question

Bill calls the boy a "forty-pound chunk of freckled wildcat." What does he mean? Apply background knowledge to make an inference about the meaning of Bill's comment.

Answer 1

Bill's comment compares a small, energetic boy to a 'forty-pound chunk of freckled wildcat,' metaphorically illustrating that the boy is full of a wild and mischievous energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Bill describes the boy as a "forty-pound chunk of freckled wildcat," he is using a metaphor to convey the boy's mischievous and spirited nature. The term wildcat often signifies something fierce and untamable, which in the context of a small boy suggests a lot of energy and perhaps a propensity for getting into trouble.

The mention of his freckles paints a picture of his appearance, and "forty-pound" refers to the boy's small size considering the large amount of energy and challenge he possesses. Overall, the comment implies that the boy is spirited, tough, and full of youthful exuberance.