Question

the seen, the known
dissolve in iridescence, become
illusive flesh of light
that was not, was, forever is.
o light beheld as through refracting tears.
here is the aura of that world
each of us has lost.
here is the shadow of its joy.
-“monet’s ‘waterlilies,’”
robert hayden
how does the underlined simile add meaning to the
poem?
○ it explains why monet painted this scene.
○ it creates imagery that appeals to hearing.
○ it describes the use of light in the painting.
○ it connects back to a historical event.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: The simile does not explain why Monet painted the scene. It focuses on the perception of light, not the artist's motivation.
• Option 2: The simile relates to sight (refracting tears affect vision), not hearing. So it does not appeal to hearing.
• Option 3: The simile “O light beheld as through refracting tears” describes how the light in the painting (Monet’s Waterlilies) is perceived, capturing the way light is rendered in the artwork, which aligns with describing the use of light in the painting.
• Option 4: There is no historical event referenced in the simile; it is about the perception of light in the painting.

Answer:

C. It describes the use of light in the painting.