In the second stanza of Emily Dickinson's poem "The Mountain," the figurative language emphasizes the mountain's age and permanence. By depicting the seasons as praying around the mountain's knees like children around a father, Dickinson conveys a sense of reverence and respect for the mountain, portraying it as a wise and eternal figure. The phrases "Grandfather of the days" and "ancestor of dawn" further reinforce the mountain's ancient, enduring quality, suggesting that it has been a constant presence throughout time. Thus, the most accurate effect of the figurative language in that stanza is that it emphasizes the mountain’s age and permanence.
Read the poem "The Mountain" by Emily Dickinson.
The mountain sat upon the plain
In his eternal chair,
His observation omnifold,
His inquest everywhere.
The seasons prayed around his knees,
Like children round a sire:
Grandfather of the days is he,
Of dawn the ancestor.
What is the effect of Dickinson’s use of figurative language in the second stanza?
It emphasizes the mountain’s age and permanence.
It suggests that the seasons deserve respect.
It compares the mountain to the morning sky.
It highlights the importance of strong family ties.
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