Question

in the first line, hayden mentions selma. this is a reference to the 1965 civil rights march from selma, alabama, in which nonviolent protestors were attacked by police. today as the news from selma and saigon poisons the air like fallout, i come again to see the serene great picture that i love. -“monet’s ‘waterlilies,’” robert hayden what type of figurative language is the use of the word selma here? allusion how does this example of figurative language affect the last line of the stanza? it creates suspense. it sets up a contrast. it provides a description.

Explanation:

The first part of the stanza (news from Selma and Saigon poisoning the air) presents a negative, turbulent scene, while the last line ("the serene great picture that I love") presents a peaceful, beloved image. The allusion to Selma (and Saigon) sets up a contrast between the chaotic, violent real - world news and the serene artwork the speaker loves. "It creates suspense" is incorrect as there's no build - up of suspense. "It provides a description" is incorrect as the allusion to Selma isn't describing the last line's image but setting up a contrast with it.

Answer:

It sets up a contrast.