The Skater of Ghost Lakeby William Rose Benet(1) Ghost Lake’s a dark lake, a deep lake and cold:(2) Ice black as ebony, frostily scrolled;(3) Far in its shadows a faint sound whirs;(4) Steep stand the sentineled deep, dark firs.(5) A brisk sound, a swift sound, a ring-tinkle-ring;(6) Flit-flit,--a shadow with a stoop and a swing,(7) Flies from the shadow through the crackling cold.(8) Ghost Lake’s a deep lake, a dark lake and old!(9) Leaning and leaning with a stride and a stride,(10) hands locked behind him, scarf blowing wide,(11) Jeremy Randall skates, skates late,(12) Star for a candle, moon for a mate.(13) Black is the clear glass now that he glides,(14) Crisp is the whisper of long lean strides,(15) Swift is his swaying - but pricked ears hark.(16) None comes to Ghost Lake late after dark!(17) Cecily only--yes it is she!(18) Stealing to Ghost Lake, tree after tree,(19) Kneeling in snow by the still lake side,(20) Rising with feet winged, gleaming, to glide.(21) Dust of the ice swirls. Here is his hand.(22) Brilliant his eyes burn. Now, as was planned,(23) Arm across arm twined, laced to his side,(24) Out on the dark lake lightly they glide.

Question

The Skater of Ghost Lakeby William Rose Benet(1) Ghost Lake’s a dark lake, a deep lake and cold:(2) Ice black as ebony, frostily scrolled;(3) Far in its shadows a faint sound whirs;(4) Steep stand the sentineled deep, dark firs.(5) A brisk sound, a swift sound, a ring-tinkle-ring;(6) Flit-flit,--a shadow with a stoop and a swing,(7) Flies from the shadow through the crackling cold.(8) Ghost Lake’s a deep lake, a dark lake and old!(9) Leaning and leaning with a stride and a stride,(10) hands locked behind him, scarf blowing wide,(11) Jeremy Randall skates, skates late,(12) Star for a candle, moon for a mate.(13) Black is the clear glass now that he glides,(14) Crisp is the whisper of long lean strides,(15) Swift is his swaying - but pricked ears hark.(16) None comes to Ghost Lake late after dark!(17) Cecily only--yes it is she!(18) Stealing to Ghost Lake, tree after tree,(19) Kneeling in snow by the still lake side,(20) Rising with feet winged, gleaming, to glide.(21) Dust of the ice swirls. Here is his hand.(22) Brilliant his eyes burn. Now, as was planned,(23) Arm across arm twined, laced to his side,(24) Out on the dark lake lightly they glide.
Use lines 1 to 24 to answer the questionIn 1–2 sentences, analyze the effects of the figurative language used in lines 1 through 24.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The figurative language in lines 1 through 24 of "The Skater of Ghost Lake" creates an ethereal and haunting atmosphere, evoking a sense of mystery and enchantment with phrases like "Ice black as ebony" and "brilliant his eyes burn." This vivid imagery, coupled with the rhythmic cadence of the descriptions, emphasizes the intimate connection between the skaters and the eerie beauty of the night, making the setting both alluring and foreboding.