Read the passage, then answer the question below.

Passage 3: Story - "The City Lights"

The city was loud, with cars honking and lights flashing like stars gone wild. Jamal, a 13 year old boy, lived in a small apartment with his mom. He wanted to be an artist, but the city felt like a giant maze that trapped him. At night, he drew pictures of open fields, dreaming of a quieter life. One day, a school art contest was announced. Jamal was scared to join - his drawings weren't like the fancy city art. But his mom said, "You're like David, facing a giant. Try anyway." Jamal entered a drawing of a bright field under a calm sky. The city's noise made him nervous, but drawing helped him feel free. At the contest, Jamal's picture won first place. The city, with all its chaos, had pushed him to create something beautiful.

How does the simile "lights flashing like stars gone wild" add to the story's tone? What kind of feeling does it contribute to the story?

(2 points)

1 answer

The simile "lights flashing like stars gone wild" adds to the story's tone by conveying a sense of chaos and vibrancy in the city. It evokes a feeling of overwhelming energy and excitement, reflecting the bustling nature of urban life. This chaotic imagery contrasts with Jamal's yearning for peace and quiet, highlighting his internal struggle and desire for a calmer existence. The simile contributes to a feeling of tension and restlessness, emphasizing Jamal's discomfort in the noisy city while simultaneously showcasing the vibrant creativity that emerges from this chaos when he draws. Overall, it enriches the narrative by illustrating the duality of the city as both a source of noise and inspiration for Jamal's art.