Question

Which statement best describes the syntax in this passage from “The Doll’s House”?

It stood in the middle of the dining-room table, an exquisite little amber lamp with a white globe. It was even filled all ready for lighting, though, of course, you couldn’t light it. But there was something inside that looked like oil, and that moved when you shook it.

The father and mother dolls, who sprawled very stiff as though they had fainted in the drawing room, and their two little children asleep upstairs, were really too big for the doll’s house. They didn’t look as though they belonged. But the lamp was perfect. It seemed to smile at Kezia, to say, “I live here.” The lamp was real.

Responses

A A series of short, punchy sentences are interrupted by one long, complex sentence.A series of short, punchy sentences are interrupted by one long, complex sentence.

B A few long, complex sentences followed by short, punchy sentences.A few long, complex sentences followed by short, punchy sentences.

C All of the sentences are long and complex.All of the sentences are long and complex.

D All of the sentences are short and simple.

Answer 1

A.

The passage uses mostly short, punchy sentences, with one long, complex descriptive sentence (about the father and mother dolls) interrupting that pattern.