Question

which words from the poem are an example of a metaphor?

a. with everything optimal, / she skirts the ditch
b. almost any slope / defeats her modest hopes
c. she can ill afford the chances she must take
d. will change her load of pottery to wings

Explanation:

Identify the definition of a metaphor

A metaphor directly equates two unrelated things by stating one is the other, without using comparison words such as "like" or "as".

Analyze the given options

• Option A describes a literal action of moving along a ditch.
• Option B uses personification ("defeats her modest hopes") rather than a direct metaphor.
• Option C describes a literal situation of taking risks.
• Option D equates a physical shell/burden ("load of pottery") directly to "wings," representing a figurative transformation.

Answer:

• A. With everything optimal, / she skirts the ditch
• B. almost any slope / defeats her modest hopes
• C. she can ill afford the chances she must take
• D. will change her load of pottery to wings (Correct answer)