Read the excerpt from "Digging."
Till his straining rump among the flowerbeds Bends low, comes up twenty years away Stooping in rhythm through potato drills Where he was digging.
Which statement best explains the effect of the word "straining” in this excerpt?
A. It emphasizes that working in fields is difficult and strenuous.
B. It draws attention to the speaker’s connection to the field.
C. It suggests that the father does not want to plant new potatoes.
D. It reveals that potatoes were the main crop of Ireland.
Answer:
A. It emphasizes that working in fields is difficult and strenuous.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best explains the effect of the word "straining" in the excerpt is option A which says It emphasizes that working in fields is difficult and strenuous.
This is so because the meaning of the word "strenuous" means exerting force or energy to perform a difficult task and from the excerpt, the narrator explains straining in the field where he was digging which implies that working in the field is difficult and strenuous.