Question

Read the excerpt from chapter 8 of Obasan by Joy Kogawa.


Obasan is sitting on a mandarin box at my feet winding the twine from Aunt Emily’s package onto a twine ball she keeps in the pantry.


Obasan never discards anything. Besides the twine ball, there’s a ball of string full of knots, a number of balls of wool bits, and even short bits of thread twirled around popsicle sticks that are stacked up like soldiers in a black woven x. The twine ball is larger than a baseball and slips off her lap, rolling a short distance along the floor.

How does the author’s use of longer sentences impact meaning in this excerpt?

It emphasizes the degree to which Obasan saves materials, which contributes to a mood of endurance.
It illustrates how Obasan enjoys collecting various items, which contributes to a mood of optimism.
It shows that Obasan often reflects on the past, which contributes to a mood of gratefulness.
It suggests that Obasan lives a disorderly life, which contributes to a mood of chaos.

Answer 1

It emphasizes the degree to which Obasan saves materials, which contributes to a mood of endurance.

(The long, list-like sentence detailing all her kept items underscores her habit of saving and frugality, suggesting steadiness and persistence rather than disorder or optimism.)