Question

1. why does paul refer to the front as a \mysterious whirlpool\ (55)?

a. the front is a mysterious whirlpool because it is wet and muddy.
b. the front is a mysterious whirlpool because it is very windy.
c. the front is a mysterious whirlpool because it is dangerous for soldiers.
d. the front is a mysterious whirlpool because it is a strong force.

1. part a: according to paul, what is a soldier’s relationship with the earth?

a. the earth is like a mother that keeps soldiers safe, giving the men places to hide.
b. the earth is like a brother, giving the men hugs and high fives.
c. the earth is like a teacher, giving the soldiers wisdom.
d. the earth is like an enemy; it could hurt or even kill the soldiers.

part b: what evidence supports the correct answer for part a?
a. \she is his only friend\ (55).
b. \she shelters him and releases him for ten seconds to live\ (55).
c. \earth with thy folds, and hollows, and holes\ (55).
d. \in the bellowing death of the explosions\ (55).

Explanation:

Question 1

To determine why Paul refers to the front as a "mysterious whirlpool", we analyze each option:

• Option a: Wet and muddy doesn't capture the "mysterious whirlpool" metaphor's focus on danger for soldiers.
• Option b: Windy is not the core reason for the whirlpool metaphor related to the front in a war context.
• Option c: The front (war front) is dangerous for soldiers, and a whirlpool implies a dangerous, engulfing force, so this fits.
• Option d: A "strong force" is vague; the metaphor ties to danger for soldiers, not just force.

For a soldier’s relationship with the earth:

• Option a: The earth as a mother keeping soldiers safe (hiding places) aligns with war context (trenches, earth sheltering).
• Option b: Brother giving hugs/high fives is illogical for a soldier - earth relationship.
• Option c: Earth as a teacher giving wisdom is not supported by war - earth imagery.
• Option d: Earth as an enemy contradicts the nurturing "mother" - like role implied.

To support Part A’s answer (earth as a sheltering mother):

• Option a: "Only friend" doesn't emphasize shelter.
• Option b: "She shelters him and releases him for ten seconds to live" directly shows the earth (she) sheltering the soldier, matching Part A’s mother - like, safe - keeping role.
• Option c: Describing earth’s features (folds, hollows) doesn't show sheltering.
• Option d: Explosions’ death is about danger, not shelter.

Answer:

c. The front is a mysterious whirlpool because it is dangerous for soldiers.

Question 2 - Part A