The contrasting imagery in the passage paints a complex picture of the park, highlighting both its decline and the lingering beauty that remains. Descriptive words like "dry" and "cracked" evoke a sense of decay and neglect, suggesting that the park has fallen from its former glory. However, phrases such as "quiet reflection" and "beauty in its imperfections" introduce a more hopeful tone, indicating that the park still holds value for those who appreciate it. This juxtaposition shapes the mood by creating a sense of nostalgia and resilience; the reader understands that even in decay, there can be moments of tranquility and appreciation. Ultimately, these contrasting descriptions encourage readers to see the park not just as a space of loss, but as a place where beauty can still be found amid the remnants of its past.
Read the passage carefully. Then respond to the open-response question in complete sentences, using evidence from the text to support your answers.
Passage:
The park was once a lively gathering place, but over the years, it had become a shadow of its former self. The fountain in the center, once a symbol of joy, now stood dry and cracked, its mosaic tiles fading under the relentless sun. The benches, scattered throughout, were weathered and splintered, their paint peeling like old memories. Yet, for the handful of visitors who still came, the park remained a place of quiet reflection. They saw beauty in its imperfections, finding comfort in the whisper of the wind through the trees and the chirping of birds.
Question: The park is described using contrasting imagery. Words like "dry" and "cracked" suggest decay, while phrases like "quiet reflection" and "beauty in its imperfections" evoke a different tone. Explain how these contrasting descriptions affect the reader’s understanding of the park. How do the connotations of the words shape the mood of the passage? Write 3-5 sentences.
(4 points)
1 answer