Question

In the story below, the author describes Henry the dove with words like “enormous,” “glaring,” and “stubborn.” How does this word choice support the author’s purpose?

Wilma the hummingbird worked hard day in and day out for two weeks building her nest in the perfect crook of the old gazebo. Each twig and piece of twine was carefully selected and placed in the oval haven which was perched just out of harm's way—or so she thought.

One day, while Wilma was fluttering about gathering food and guarding her nest diligently, she spotted an enormous dove named Henry eyeing her nest from a nearby ledge. Wilma knew that a well–built nest would yield the best results for young hatchlings. Henry's glaring eyes gave Wilma an uncomfortable feeling, so she beat her wings at the villain and whirred by him at lightning speed. The dove remained stubborn and watched her stoically.

Finally, Wilma's fly–by buzzing got to be too much for Henry and he retreated. Relieved, Wilma returned to her nest. Just as she settled in, out of the corner of her eye she spotted a large red–tailed hawk with its wings tucked in at its side barreling through the sky heading directly toward her. Suddenly Henry, appearing out of nowhere, swooped in front of the nest causing Mr. Red Tail to divert his route. A sudden realization swept over Wilma as she realized that who she previously thought was the predator was actually her protector.

A.
It It makes Henry seem funny and silly, emphasizing the humorous side of the story.Henry seem funny and silly, emphasizing the humorous side of the story.
B.
It highlights Wilma’s laziness and lack of concern for her nest.
C.
It shows that Henry is weak and unimportant in the story.
D.
It makes Henry seem threatening at first, building suspense and surprising the reader later.

Answer 1

D.

Words like "enormous," "glaring," and "stubborn" make Henry seem threatening and ominous at first, which builds suspense and makes the later surprise—that he is actually protecting Wilma—more effective.