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Craft and StructureHardFunction of an image in a literary passage

Craft and Structure practice question

The following text is from a novel. The letter lay on the mat for three days. She stepped over it each morning the way one steps over a sleeping dog: carefully, and without looking down.

Which choice best describes the function of the comparison to a sleeping dog?

  1. A. It conveys that she avoids the letter as something that might be dangerous if disturbed.Correct
  2. B. It indicates that she owns a dog.
  3. C. It suggests that the letter is harmless.
  4. D. It implies that she has forgotten the letter.

Answer: A. It conveys that she avoids the letter as something that might be dangerous if disturbed.

Carefully, without looking: something best not woken.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It indicates that she owns a dog.
A comparison, not a pet.
C. It suggests that the letter is harmless.
One steps carefully over what might bite.
D. It implies that she has forgotten the letter.
She steps over it every morning; she knows it is there.

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