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" contributes to the story's tone by evoking a sense of chaos and overwhelming energy in the city. It paints a vivid picture of the frenetic atmosphere surrounding Jamal, suggesting that the city is both vibrant and tumultuous. This imagery conveys the feeling of confusion and entrapment that Jamal experiences, as he feels lost in the maze-like environment of urban life. Overall, it adds to the feeling of anxiety and restlessness while also hinting at a sense of wonder that can emerge from such a chaotic backdrop, setting the stage for Jamal's journey to find solace and freedom through his art.