Question

The Cumberland by Henry Wadsworth Longtellow At anchor in Hampton Roads we lay, On board of the Cumberland, sloop-of-war; And at times from the fortress across the bay The alarum of drums swept past, Or a bugle blast From the camp on the shore. Then far away to the south uprose A little feather of snow-white smoke, And we knew that the iron ship of our foes Was steadily steering its course To try the force Of our ribs of oak. Down upon us heavily runs, Silent and sullen, the floating fort; Then comes a puff of smoke from her guns, And leaps the terrible death, With fiery breath, From each open port. We are not idle, but send her straight. Defiance back in a full broadside! As hail rebounds from a roof of slate, Rebounds our heavier hail From each iron scale Of the monster’s hide. “Strike your flag!” the rebel cries, In his arrogant old plantation strain. “Never!” our gallant Morris replies; “It is better to sink than to yield!” And the whole air pealed With the cheers of our men. Then, like a kraken huge and black, She crushed our ribs in her iron grasp! Down went the Cumberland all a wrack, With a sudden shudder of death, And the cannon’s breath For her dying gasp. Next morn, as the sun rose over the bay, Still floated our flag at the mainmast head. Lord, how beautiful was Thy day! Every waft of the air Was a whisper of prayer, Or a dirge for the dead. "The Cumberland" by Henry Wadsworth Longtellow Question Use the passage from “The Cumberland” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to answer the question. Analyze the effect of the figurative language used in the last stanza. (1 point) Responses The simile comparing the day to a prayer shows how the sailors hoped that none would die on this singular day in the war. The simile comparing the day to a prayer shows how the sailors hoped that none would die on this singular day in the war. The metaphor comparing air to a prayer for the living or a song for the dead illuminates the high costs of the battle. The metaphor comparing air to a prayer for the living or a song for the dead illuminates the high costs of the battle. The metaphor comparing the sun to the flying flag shows how the sailors hoped for victory. The metaphor comparing the sun to the flying flag shows how the sailors hoped for victory. The personification giving the morning human characteristics draws attention to the losses from the battle.

Answer 1

The best response is: The metaphor comparing air to a prayer for the living or a song for the dead illuminates the high costs of the battle.

This response effectively captures the essence of the last stanza, where the imagery conveys a deep sense of loss and reverence for the fallen. The juxtaposition of prayer and dirge highlights the somber reality of the aftermath of battle, emphasizing the emotional weight and the sacrifices made by the sailors.