Question

yamanba of the mountain
by cathy spagnoli
no one spoke. even the bravest men and women were silent. everyone
had helped to make the mochi, but no one wanted to face that frightful
yamanba.
finally, a small woman stepped up. “i’m the oldest here,” she said. “i’ve
lived a good life, and i’m ready to die if i must. i will go and try.”
voices suddenly wrapped round her, thanking her again and again. two
young men who knew the mountain were chosen to guide her, and they all
set off the next day. higher and higher and higher they climbed. soon, the
wind howled and pushed against them.
“we can’t take anymore,” cried the two men as the wind bounced them
around.
“have courage!” the old woman shouted, clinging to a pine tree. but when
the wind finally died down, the old woman couldn’t find the men. they had
run away
\yamanba of the mountain\ from asian tales and tellers by cathy spagnoli
© 1998 cathy spagnoli, published 1998 by august house, inc
use the passage to answer the question
what is the effect of the author’s use of figurative language in
this passage?
(1 point)
it reveals the importance of gender in the cultural context of the
story.
it emphasizes how important being brave is to characters in this
cultural setting.
it explains why mountains play such a significant role in the
cultural setting.
it helps the reader understand the cultural context behind the
men’s decision to run away.

Explanation:

To determine the effect of figurative language, analyze each option:

• First option: The passage’s figurative language (e.g., wind “howled,” “pushed,” “bounced”) doesn’t focus on gender. Eliminate.
• Second option: The story highlights bravery (old woman’s courage, men’s fear). Figurative language (wind’s personification) emphasizes the challenge, but bravery’s importance isn’t the focus here. Eliminate.
• Third option: The passage’s figurative language about the mountain/wind doesn’t explain mountains’ cultural significance. Eliminate.
• Fourth option: The men run away due to the harsh wind (personified as “howled,” “pushed,” “bounced”). Figurative language makes the wind’s ferocity clear, helping readers understand why the men fled. This matches.

Answer:

D. It helps the reader understand the cultural context behind the men’s decision to run away.