Question

by Henry Wadsworth Longtellow

At anchor in Hampton Roads we lay,
On board of the Cumberland, sloop-of-war;
And at times from the fortress across the bay
The alarum of drums swept past,
Or a bugle blast
From the camp on the shore.

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Question
Use the passage from “The Cumberland” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to answer the question.

Analyze the effect of the figurative language used in the last stanza.

(1 point)
Responses

The metaphor comparing air to a prayer for the living or a song for the dead illuminates the high costs of the battle.
The metaphor comparing air to a prayer for the living or a song for the dead illuminates the high costs of the battle.

The simile comparing the day to a prayer shows how the sailors hoped that none would die on this singular day in the war.
The simile comparing the day to a prayer shows how the sailors hoped that none would die on this singular day in the war.

The metaphor comparing the sun to the flying flag shows how the sailors hoped for victory.
The metaphor comparing the sun to the flying flag shows how the sailors hoped for victory.

The personification giving the morning human characteristics draws attention to the losses from the battle.

Answers

Answered by GPT-4o mini
To analyze the effect of the figurative language used in the last stanza of “The Cumberland” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, we can break down the options provided:

1. **The metaphor comparing air to a prayer for the living or a song for the dead illuminates the high costs of the battle.** - This response effectively captures the solemnity and the emotional weight of the battle's consequences.

2. **The simile comparing the day to a prayer shows how the sailors hoped that none would die on this singular day in the war.** - This points to the sailors’ desire for peace and safety, reflecting their hopes amidst warfare.

3. **The metaphor comparing the sun to the flying flag shows how the sailors hoped for victory.** - This metaphor highlights a sense of optimism and patriotism, indicating the sailors' desires for a positive outcome.

4. **The personification giving the morning human characteristics draws attention to the losses from the battle.** - This emphasizes the emotional impact of the battle and its toll on humanity.

Given these analyses, the first option is the most comprehensive in its acknowledgment of the overall tone and themes present in the stanza. It highlights not only the hope and anxiety of the sailors but also the gravity of their situation, making it particularly effective in illuminating the high costs associated with warfare.

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