The colon in the sentence serves to introduce an explanation or elaboration of the idea presented before it. In this case, the first part of the sentence describes the age difference as a significant obstacle ("a chasm"), and the colon signals that what follows will further explore or clarify that idea by posing a question about the potential for that age difference to become a unifying element ("as a bridge"). It creates a pause that emphasizes the contrast and sets up the thought that follows.
The seven years’ difference in our ages lay between us like a chasm: I wondered if these years would ever operate between us as a bridge.
— James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues”
Question 1 (1 point)
What function does the colon serve in this sentence?
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