Question

Read the lines from "The Turtle.”

breaks from the blue-black
skin of the water, dragging her shell
with its mossy scutes
across the shallows and through the rushes

The word "dragging” shows that

the turtle is weak from swimming in the ocean.
the turtle has an odd physical appearance.
the turtle’s movements are awkward and difficult.
the turtle’s natural instincts are holding her back.

Answer 1

the turtle’s movements are awkward and difficult.

"Dragging" implies a slow, effortful, laborious motion—she's moving with difficulty across the shallows and through the rushes.