Yamanba of the Mountain

Question

by Cathy Spagnoli
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.
Use the passage to answer the question
What is the effect of the author's use of figurative language in this passage?
(1 point)
It reveals the importance of gender in the cultural context of the story.
It emphasizes how important being brave is to characters in this cultural setting.
It explains why mountains play such a significant role in the cultural setting.
It helps the reader understand the cultural context behind the men's decision to run away.

Answer 1

The effect of the author's use of figurative language in this passage primarily emphasizes how important being brave is to the characters in this cultural setting. The old woman's declaration about her readiness to face danger and her encouragement to have courage amidst the storm highlight the value of bravery. Additionally, the reaction of the two young men running away further underscores the weight of fear and the contrasting notions of bravery and cowardice within the story. Thus, the correct answer is:

It emphasizes how important being brave is to characters in this cultural setting.