It is the result of an emotional hangover and a temporary moral lapse which follows every war. It is the apathy to evil which people who have been subjected to the tremendous evils of war feel. As the people of the world see mass murder, the destruction of defenseless and innocent people, and all of the crime and lack of morals which go with war, they become numb and apathetic. It has always been thus after war. However, the morals of our people have not been destroyed. They still exist. This cloak of numbness and apathy has only needed a spark to rekindle them. Happily, this spark has finally been supplied.

Question

It is the result of an emotional hangover and a temporary moral lapse which follows every war. It is the apathy to evil which people who have been subjected to the tremendous evils of war feel. As the people of the world see mass murder, the destruction of defenseless and innocent people, and all of the crime and lack of morals which go with war, they become numb and apathetic. It has always been thus after war. However, the morals of our people have not been destroyed. They still exist. This cloak of numbness and apathy has only needed a spark to rekindle them. Happily, this spark has finally been supplied.

Which best states the meaning of the rhetoric McCarthy uses in this passage?

Enemies from Within

A)The personification of “numbness” having a “cloak” makes apathy seem like a villain.
B)The alliteration of “destruction” and “defenseless” helps the audience remember the victims of war.
C)The metaphor of a “spark” and a rekindling makes morals seem like a flame that can burn away corruption.
D)The analogy of a “moral lapse” makes the idea of the effects of war more understandable.

I believe it is A since the passage was indeed giving none living subject a human trait. Am I right?

Answer 1

Could be.

All of the choices are certainly fitting.

Answer 2

does one stick out to you more than the others?

Answer 3

I guess A is closest to the intent of the original question.

Answer 4

Yes, you are correct. The best choice that states the meaning of the rhetoric McCarthy uses in this passage is A) The personification of "numbness" having a "cloak" makes apathy seem like a villain.

In this passage, McCarthy uses rhetorical devices to convey his message about the aftermath of war and the potential for a revival of morals. The personification of "numbness" having a "cloak" paints apathy as a malevolent figure, attributing human-like qualities to it. This personification helps to create a sense of apathy as a negative force that is dominating people's emotions and reactions. By portraying apathy as a villain, McCarthy underscores the need for a change and a renewed sense of moral responsibility.