Read the following passage from "The War Prayer":
With the volunteers sat their dear ones, proud, happy, and envied by the neighbors and friends who had no sons and brothers to send forth to the field of honor, there to win for the flag, or, failing, die the noblest of noble deaths.
How does Twain use a rhetorical device to support his purpose in this passage?
A. He uses the repetition of similar words to make the characters seem easily persuaded.
B. He uses the repetition of similar words to illustrate how unique the situation in the passage is.
C. He uses multiple conjunctions to increase the excitement and drama of this passage.
D. He uses lists without conjunctions to quicken the pace and increase the urgency of this passage
The correct answer is:
C. He uses multiple conjunctions to increase the excitement and drama of this passage.
The passage employs a rhetorical device known as polysyndeton, which involves using multiple conjunctions in close succession, particularly where they might not actually be necessary, to add a rhythm and an almost ceremonial or elevated tone to the text. This contributes to the sense of honor and gravity of the situation described, as it discusses sending sons and brothers "to the field of honor." It helps to amplify the drama and the perceived nobility of the act of going to war, thus supporting Twain's purpose in this passage of "The War Prayer," which, when considering the context of the entire work, is to satirize and critique the romanticized view of war.