Use the paragraph to answer the question.

Kade and Lula took slow, careful steps. All around them, the moonlight kissed the red ivy. The ivy stretched out, strangling the garden bench, the fountain, and the gate—taunting them with its omnipresence. How could they possibly get around without touching it? A few droplets of chilly rain splattered down. Each icy drop seemed to say, “Hurry, hurry. You don’t have long.”

In 3–5 sentences, explain how the author used figurative language to create a specific effect. Make sure to explain what kind of figurative language the author used and the effect it had. Provide samples from the text to support your answer.

3 answers

The author uses personification to give life to elements of nature, creating an atmosphere of urgency and tension. For instance, the phrase "the moonlight kissed the red ivy" imbues the moonlight with a gentle, tender quality, highlighting the beauty of the scene while simultaneously enhancing the ominous presence of the ivy. Additionally, the droplets of rain that seem to say, "Hurry, hurry. You don't have long," accentuate a sense of impending danger, compelling Kade and Lula to move quickly through the encroaching foliage. This combination of personification and vivid imagery creates a palpable tension, suggesting that the ivy's grasp may be more than just physical but symbolic of obstacles in their path.

Put it in 3 sentences

The author uses personification to create a sense of urgency and tension, as seen in the phrase "the moonlight kissed the red ivy," which highlights the beauty of the scene while emphasizing the ominous presence of the ivy. Additionally, the rain droplets that seem to say, "Hurry, hurry. You don’t have long," reinforce the feeling of impending danger, urging Kade and Lula to move quickly. This use of figurative language evokes a palpable tension, suggesting that the ivy represents not just a physical barrier but also deeper obstacles in their journey.