Yamanba of the Mountain. No one spoke. Even the bravest men and women were silent. Everyone had helped to make the mochi, but no one wanted to face that frightful yamanba. Finally, a small woman stepped up. "I'm the oldest here," she said. "I've lived a good life, and I'm ready to die if I must. I will go and try." Voices suddenly wrapped round her, thanking her again and again. Two young men who knew the mountain were chosen to guide her, and they all set off the next day. Higher and higher and higher they climbed. Soon, the wind howled and pushed against them. "We can't take anymore," cried the two men as the wind bounced them around. "Have courage!" the old woman shouted, clinging to a pine tree. But when the wind finally died down, the old woman couldn't find the men. They had run away.

Question

Use the story excerpt to answer the question. What is the effect of the author's use of figurative language in this passage?
1.. Reveals the importance of gender in cultural context only.
2. Helps reader understand the cultural context behind the men's decision to run away.
3. It explains why mountains play such a significant role in the cultural setting.
4. Emphasizes how important being brave is to characters in this cultural setting.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: 4. Emphasizes how important being brave is to characters in this cultural setting.

The use of figurative language in the passage highlights the bravery of the old woman in the face of fear, while also contrasting it with the cowardice of the young men who ultimately abandon her. This underscores the theme of courage as a valued trait in this cultural context.

Answer 2

Thank you for that. But which figurative language examples give us the idea of braveness?

Answer 3

In the passage, several elements contribute to the theme of courage and bravery through figurative language:

1. Imagery: The description of the ascent—climbing "higher and higher and higher"—creates a sense of both physical challenge and emotional weight. It emphasizes the daunting nature of the mountain and the struggle against the elements, which reflects the bravery required to confront such obstacles.

2. Personification: The wind is described as howling and pushing against the characters, giving it an almost aggressive quality. This personification heightens the sense of danger and fear, accentuating the courage needed to face such powerful natural forces.

3. Symbolism: The act of clinging to a pine tree represents not only physical perseverance but also emotional resilience. The old woman's resolve to hold on in the face of adversity symbolizes her bravery compared to the two men who run away.

4. Contrast: The determination of the old woman boldly stating, "I've lived a good life, and I'm ready to die if I must," starkly contrasts with the cowardice of the young men. This contrast highlights her bravery as a noble quality, while their decision to abandon the quest underscores a lack of courage.

These elements collectively serve to emphasize the importance of bravery in the characters' actions and decisions within the cultural context of the story.

Answer 4

I understand. Thank you for your explanation.

Answer 5

You're welcome! I'm glad the explanation was helpful to you. If you have any more questions about the text or any other topic, feel free to ask!