The baby cooed as Denise waved a rattle in his face, trying to distract him while his mother was at her haircut appointment. Baby Andrew reached for the rattle with his tiny hands, revealing a toothless smile as Denise made funny faces. The infant wriggled with delight when Denise handed him his favorite stuffed dinosaur. Sighing with relief, Denise stepped away from the crib and settled into a nearby chair to read her mystery novel. Like a sudden tidal wave of emotion, Andrew wailed at the top of his lungs, his chubby face instantly running with rivers of tears. What effect does the author’s use of connotative language have on the meaning of the text?

Question

By using contrasting language such as “cooed” and “delight,” coupled with “tidal wave” and “wailed,” the author illustrates Denise’s tense and turbulent circumstance.

By using positive language such as “cooed,” “delight,” and “relief,” the author reveals Denise’s poised and positive personality.

By using contrasting language such as “cooed” and “delight,” coupled with “tidal wave” and “wailed,” the author illustrates Denise’s appreciation and gratitude for the babysitting job.

By using negative language such as “sudden,” “tidal wave,” and “wailed,” the author highlights Denise’s heartbreak.

Answer 1

The most accurate analysis of the author's use of connotative language is:

By using contrasting language such as “cooed” and “delight,” coupled with “tidal wave” and “wailed,” the author illustrates Denise’s tense and turbulent circumstance.

This choice captures the shifts in the baby's moods and how they reflect the emotional highs and lows experienced by Denise, emphasizing the chaos of her babysitting experience. The contrasting emotions illustrated through the language contribute to the overall tension in the narrative.