Question

highlight the figurative language used in the passage.
i grabbed the chain with both hands and pulled. a small torrent of water gushed into the bowl, swirling and disappearing down the drain with a deep, sonorous gargle. i waited a few minutes and pulled the chain again.
-barrio boy, ernesto galarza

choose the statement that best describes galarzas figurative language in this passage.
he personifies the toilet, creating the image of a person gargling.
he uses a simile to give the toilet a negative connotation.
he personifies ernesto, showing his curiosity.
he gives the chain a positive connotation.

Explanation:

Analyze the passage for figurative language

The passage describes water disappearing down the drain with a "deep, sonorous gargle." Gargling is a human action, so attributing this sound to a toilet drain is an example of personification.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: "He personifies the toilet, creating the image of a person gargling." This matches the use of "gargle" to describe the toilet's sound.
• Option 2: "He uses a simile..." There is no comparison using "like" or "as" in the passage.
• Option 3: "He personifies Ernesto..." Ernesto is the human narrator, so he cannot be personified.
• Option 4: "He gives the chain a positive connotation." The description of the chain is literal and neutral.

Answer:

• (A) He personifies the toilet, creating the image of a person gargling. (Correct answer)
• (B) He uses a simile to give the toilet a negative connotation.
• (C) He personifies Ernesto, showing his curiosity.
• (D) He gives the chain a positive connotation.