“The Spanish Dancer” by Rainer Maria Rilke
As a lit match first flickers in the hands
Before it flames, and darts out from all sides
Bright, twitching tongues, so, ringed by growing bands
Of spectators—she, quivering, glowing stands
Poised tensely for the dance—then forward glides
And suddenly becomes a flaming torch.
Her bright hair flames, her burning glances scorch,
And with a daring art at her command
Her whole robe blazes like a fire-brand
From which is stretched each naked arm, awake,
Gleaming and rattling like a frightened snake.
And then, as though the fire fainter grows,
She gathers up the flame—again it glows,
As with proud gesture and imperious air
She flings it to the earth; and it lies there
Furiously flickering and crackling still—
Then haughtily victorious, but with sweet
Swift smile of greeting, she puts forth her will
And stamps the flames out with her small firm feet.
Use the poem to answer the question.
Which of the following statements best evaluates the poet’s use of sound devices in lines 15–16 (“She flings…crackling still”)?
A.
Onomatopoeia provides a sensory element that allows the reader to be fully present in the situation.
B.
Assonance provides softness that subdues the harsh image of fire and adds sensuality to the passionate tone.
C.
Cacophony of words and images serve to juxtapose the power of the dancer and the submissiveness of the audience.
D.
Alliterative elements and connotation create a powerful tone and develop the overall theme of confidence and power.
E.
Consonance combines with assonance to juxtapose the soft beauty of the woman with the harsh brightness of the flame.
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