Question

Read the excerpt from "Missing in Action” by Thanhha Lai.

This day
Mother prepares an altar
to chant for his return,
offering fruit,
incense,
tuberoses,
and glutinous rice.

She displays his portrait
taken during Tết
the year he disappeared.

How peaceful he looks,
smiling,
peacock tails
at the corners
of his eyes.

Each of us bows
and wishes
and hopes
and prays.

What is the effect of using mostly short line lengths in the first stanza?

A: It introduces a repeated idea that underscores how the atmosphere of the household is tense.
B: It develops a slow rhythm that highlights how the speaker is sympathetic to her mother.
C: It creates a continuous thought, as it presents the idea that rituals must be followed carefully.
D: It builds the intensity, as it emphasizes the importance the family places on honoring a family member.

Answer 1

The effect of using mostly short line lengths in the first stanza is best captured by option **C: It creates a continuous thought, as it presents the idea that rituals must be followed carefully.**

The use of short lines contributes to a sense of immediacy and focus on the meticulous actions and offerings involved in the ritual of preparing the altar. Each line presents a specific element of the preparation, underscoring the careful and deliberate nature of the act, which is central to honoring the missing family member.