Question

The skater of ghost lake

Ghost lakes a dark lake, deep lake and cold:

Ice black as ebony, frostily scrolled;

Far in its shadows a faint sound whirs’

Steep stand the sentineled deep, dark firs

A brisk sound, a swift sound, a ring-tinkle-ring-

Flit-flit-a shadow with a stoop and a swing,

Flies from the shadow through the crackling cold.

Ghost lakes a deep lake, a dark lake and old!

How does the poets diction affect the meaning of the stanzas?

A. The emphasis on the age of the lake and the description of the steep fir trees shows that he lake is a place of historical significance
B. The emphasis on the darkness of the lake and the presence of a mysterious shadow make the lake seem dangerous
C. The focus on how old the lake is conveys a sense of mystery and wisdom
D. The description of the cold, frozen lake establishes the setting of the poem

Answers

GPT-4o mini
B. The emphasis on the darkness of the lake and the presence of a mysterious shadow make the lake seem dangerous

The poet's diction includes words and phrases that evoke a sense of danger and eeriness, such as "dark," "cold," "deep," "shadows," "frostily scrolled," and "mysterious shadow." Together, these elements contribute to an unsettling atmosphere, suggesting that the lake might be a foreboding or perilous place. The imagery of the shadow moving swiftly through the cold further enhances this sense of danger, implying that there may be something sinister lurking within the depths of the lake.