Question

the following text is from alice moore dunbar - nelsons 1895 poem in memoriam. the speaker describes sunshine coming into a cathedral. the light streams through the windows arched high, and oer the stern, stone carvings breaks in warm rich gold and crimson waves, then steals away in comers dark to die. as used in the text, what does the phrasesteals away most nearly mean? a. restores itself b. works away c. slips away d. identifies itself

Explanation:

The phrase "steals away" is a metaphorical expression. In the context of the poem, it is used to describe something that departs or fades away subtly. "Slips away" (Option C) is the closest in meaning as it also implies a quiet, unobtrusive departure. "Restores itself" (Option A) means to return to a previous state, which is the opposite. "Works away" (Option B) implies active effort, which doesn't fit. "Identifies itself" (Option D) means to show what it is, which is not relevant here.

Answer:

C. Slips away