Nick instantly regretted his boastful proclamation that there was no food too spicy for his iron palate. He did love spicy dishes, within reason, but his friends had found an opportunity to skewer him upon his own impetuous words. They'd quickly and gleefully ordered him the restaurant's spiciest dish, and now here it was, threatening to melt through the table. Nick smiled weakly as he glanced at the peppers glowing like nuclear reactors through the molten lava sauce. His friends, on the other hand, were smiling with the radiance of thousand-watt bulbs as they watched him reach for his fork.
What does the author's use of the phrase "radiance of thousand-watt bulbs" communicate to the reader?
(1 It represents Nick's realization that his friends did not really like him after
all.
(2 It suggests that his friends were gloating expectantly as they watched
Nick.
3 It shows that his friends were supportive of Nick and expected him to succeed.
1 answer
(2) It suggests that his friends were gloating expectantly as they watched Nick.