12) Refer to "The Loophole of Retreat" and answer the following questions.
1. Summarize the second paragraph of the selection.
2. Give an example of figurative language from the selection and identify the type.
3. Describe another literary element used in the selection.
4. Critique the selection. Discuss how well the author accomplished her purpose. Support your opinions with evidence from the text.
1. The second paragraph of "The Loophole of Retreat" describes how women throughout history have often gotten married as a way to escape difficult situations or circumstances, such as poverty or societal expectations. It discusses the idea that marriage was seen as a way for women to "retreat" from their current lives and find security and protection in a husband.
2. Example of figurative language: "But mostly its women have marriage as a weapon against a world they find cruel, deadening, unyielding. It’s no accident that Christian women, in a fight for equality in their churches, have called themselves 'Brides of Christ,' holding up the image of unions in absentia, in joy and sorrow." This example uses the metaphor of Christian women referring to themselves as "Brides of Christ" to represent their desire for equality within their churches.
3. Another literary element used in the selection is irony. The author discusses how marriage, which is traditionally seen as a symbol of love and commitment, is often used by women as a means of escape or protection from societal hardships. This irony highlights the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of marriage as an institution.
4. In my opinion, the author effectively accomplishes her purpose in "The Loophole of Retreat." She presents a thought-provoking analysis of the historical and societal motivations behind women's decisions to marry, highlighting the ways in which marriage has been used as a form of escape or protection. The author provides compelling evidence and examples to support her arguments, such as referencing historical and religious contexts. Overall, the selection is well-written and engaging, successfully conveying the complexities of marriage as a social institution.