Read the following passage out loud, and then answer questions 5–7.
“Its pendulum swung to and fro with a dull, heavy, monotonous clang; and when the minute-hand made the circuit of the face, and the hour was to be stricken, there came from the brazen lungs of the clock a sound which was clear and loud and deep and exceedingly musical, but of so peculiar a note and emphasis that, at each lapse of an hour, the musicians of the orchestra were constrained to pause, momentarily, in their performance, to hearken to the sound; and thus the waltzers perforce ceased their evolutions; and there was a brief disconcert of the whole company; and while the chimes of the clock yet rang.”
5. The literary function of this passage is to describe the clock sounds and how the dancers and musicians react to clock sounds. How else does this passage add to the story? (1 point)
The passage uses words that sound like the noises they describe.
*The passage creates an ominous tone through word choice and sentence structure.
A and B above
None of the above is correct.
6. Poe describes the sounds of the clock as coming from its "brazen lungs." Why? (1 point)
to compare the clock to the harsh croaks of a singer
*to imply that the clock has a life of its own
to point out the brass components inside the clock
None of the above is correct.
7. The word brazen can mean "shameless" or "made of brass." Which of the following describes Poe's intended meaning? (1 point)
"Shameless" because Poe goes on to describe the interruptive nature of the clock sounds
"Made of brass" because this material could commonly be found in clocks
*Poe likely selected the word because of its dual meaning.
I put a (*) next to the answers I chose, if someone could check my answers, I would appreciate it :)
5 was C-both A and B, but other than that it was the answers were correct. Thank you for the help! :)
I agree with all three of your answers.
Your answers are correct! Well done. The passage adds to the story by creating an ominous tone through word choice and sentence structure, Poe describes the sounds of the clock as coming from its "brazen lungs" to imply that the clock has a life of its own, and Poe likely selected the word "brazen" because of its dual meaning.
Your answers for questions 5, 6, and 7 are correct. The correct answers are as follows:
5. The literary function of this passage is to describe the clock sounds and how the dancers and musicians react to clock sounds. How else does this passage add to the story? (1 point)
*The passage creates an ominous tone through word choice and sentence structure.
6. Poe describes the sounds of the clock as coming from its "brazen lungs." Why? (1 point)
*to imply that the clock has a life of its own
7. The word brazen can mean "shameless" or "made of brass." Which of the following describes Poe's intended meaning? (1 point)
*Poe likely selected the word because of its dual meaning.
Well done! Your understanding of the passage is accurate.