Final answer:
A rhetorical question is a question that is not expected to be answered and is used to make a point, rather than obtain information. In this case, the quotation 'How can I say enough to thank her?' is a rhetorical question because the speaker is not seeking an answer, but rather highlighting the difficulty of expressing gratitude towards someone. The correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quotation "how can I say enough to thank her" from the passage is a rhetorical question. A rhetorical question is a device used in speech and writing to make a point rather than to solicit an actual response from the listener or reader. Typically, it is obvious that the questioner does not expect an answer, hence the question is used effectively to emphasize the point being made. In this case, the speaker is emphasizing their immense gratitude to Mrs. Maple -- so much so, that words are not enough to express it.
The quote can be classified as a rhetorical question because it serves to highlight the extreme extent of the speaker's gratitude rather than seeking an actual enumeration of the ways to thank Mrs. Maple. By posing this question, the speaker prompts reflection in the audience about the depth of gratitude being felt, often leading to a more profound understanding of the speaker's emotional state. This device is frequently utilized in rhetorical fallacies and helps to clarify quotations by providing an impactful way to relate to the narrative without expecting a literal answer.