Read the excerpt from "Digging." Till his straining rump among the flowerbeds Bends low, comes up twenty years away Stooping in rhythm through potato drills Where he was digging. Which statement best explains the effect of the word "straining” in this excerpt?
Answer
A
It emphasizes that working in fields is difficult and strenuous.
B
It reveals that potatoes were the main crop of Ireland.
C
It suggests that the father does not want to plant new potatoes.
D
It draws attention to the speaker’s connection to the field.
Explanation
“Straining” suggests that the father is exerting effort as he bends among the flowerbeds. The word emphasizes the physical difficulty of the work, which is also echoed by the image of him stooping through potato drills. Choice C, that working in fields is difficult and strenuous, best explains its effect.
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