Question

The Skater of Ghost Lake by William Rose Benét.

Ghost Lake’s a dark lake, a deep lake and cold: Ice black as ebony, frostily scrolled; Far in its shadows a faint sound whirs; Steep stand the sentineled deep, dark firs. A brisk sound, a swift sound, a ring-tinkle-ring; Flit-flit,--a shadow with a stoop and a swing, Flies from the shadow through the crackling cold. Ghost Lake’s a deep lake, a dark lake and old!

Question:
Use the stanzas to answer the question. Which answer choice correctly explains how the poet’s diction affects the meaning of these stanzas? (1 point)

Responses:
( ) The description of the cold, frozen lake establishes the setting of the poem.

( ) The focus on how old the lake is conveys a sense of mystery and wisdom.

( ) The emphasis on the age of the lake and the description of the dark, steep fir trees shows that the lake is a place of historical importance.

( ) The emphasis on the darkness of the lake and the presence of a mysterious shadow make the lake seem dangerous.

Answer 1

( ) The emphasis on the darkness of the lake and the presence of a mysterious shadow make the lake seem dangerous.

Explanation: Words and phrases like "dark," "deep," "cold," "ice black as ebony," "faint sound whirs," "shadow," "flit-flit," and "sentineled deep, dark firs" create an eerie, threatening mood, making the lake feel ominous and dangerous.