“The Spanish Dancer” by Rainer Maria Rilke
As a lit match first flickers in the hands
Before it flames, and darts out from all sides
Bright, twitching tongues, so, ringed by growing bands
Of spectators—she, quivering, glowing stands
Poised tensely for the dance—then forward glides
And suddenly becomes a flaming torch.
Her bright hair flames, her burning glances scorch,
And with a daring art at her command
Her whole robe blazes like a fire-brand
From which is stretched each naked arm, awake,
Gleaming and rattling like a frightened snake.
And then, as though the fire fainter grows,
She gathers up the flame—again it glows,
As with proud gesture and imperious air
She flings it to the earth; and it lies there
Furiously flickering and crackling still—
Then haughtily victorious, but with sweet
Swift smile of greeting, she puts forth her will
And stamps the flames out with her small firm feet.
Use the poem to answer the question.
Which is the chief effect of the phrase “gleaming and rattling” in line 11?
A.
develop a passionate tone
B.
illustrate the dancer’s beauty
C.
emphasize the dancer’s ferocity
D.
crescendo to a climactic moment
E.
provide cultural context for the reader
C. emphasize the dancer's ferocity
C. emphasize the dancer's ferocity.
The phrase "gleaming and rattling" creates a vivid image of the dancer's arms, conveying a sense of intensity and energy. It suggests that the dancer is fierce and powerful, adding to the overall portrayal of her as a fiery and captivating performer.
The chief effect of the phrase "gleaming and rattling" in line 11 is to emphasize the dancer's ferocity.
To determine the chief effect of the phrase "gleaming and rattling" in line 11, we need to analyze its context within the poem. In the preceding lines, the speaker describes the Spanish Dancer's whole robe blazing like a fire-brand, and her arms gleaming and rattling like a frightened snake.
Given this context, we can infer that the phrase "gleaming and rattling" is used to emphasize the dancer's ferocity. It suggests that her arms are not only bright and shining but also vibrant and lively, like a snake ready to strike. This description enhances the overall image of the dancer as energetic and intense, highlighting her passionate and fiery performance.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. emphasize the dancer's ferocity.