Kade and Lula took slow, careful steps. All around them, the moonlight kissed the red ivy. The ivy stretched out, strangling the garden bench, the fountain, and the gate—taunting them with its omnipresence. How could they possibly get around without touching it? A few droplets of chilly rain splattered down. Each icy drop seemed to say, “Hurry, hurry. You don’t have long.”

Question

Kade and Lula took slow, careful steps. All around them, the moonlight kissed the red ivy. The ivy stretched out, strangling the garden bench, the fountain, and the gate—taunting them with its omnipresence. How could they possibly get around without touching it? A few droplets of chilly rain splattered down. Each icy drop seemed to say, “Hurry, hurry. You don’t have long.”
In 3–4 sentences, explain how the author used figurative language to create a specific effect. Make sure to explain what kind of figurative language the author used and the effect it had. Provide samples from the text to support your answer. Please make it simple and intended for 9th grade.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The author uses personification to give human-like qualities to the ivy and the raindrops, creating a tense and eerie atmosphere. For example, the ivy is described as "strangling" the garden objects and "taunting them with its omnipresence," suggesting that it is a menacing force obstructing Kade and Lula's path. Additionally, the raindrops are portrayed as saying “Hurry, hurry. You don’t have long,” which adds urgency to their situation and heightens the tension as they navigate the garden. This figurative language effectively immerses the reader in the characters' struggle against an overwhelming and almost alive environment.