Question

analyzing figurative language
the seen, the known
dissolve in iridescence, become
illusive flesh of light
that was not, was, forever is.
o light beheld as through refracting tears.
here is the aura of that world
each of us has lost.
here is the shadow of its joy.

• \monets waterlilies,\

robert hayden
how does the underlined simile add meaning to the
poem?
it explains why monet painted this scene.
it creates imagery that appeals to hearing.
it describes the use of light in the painting.
it connects back to a historical event.

Explanation:

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using "like" or "as". In this case, "light beheld as through refracting tears" creates a visual image. It helps the reader imagine how the light appears, similar to how light refracts through tears. This is related to visual imagery, which in the context of a poem about a painting (Monet's Waterlilies) can be connected to how light is depicted in the painting.

Answer:

It describes the use of light in the painting.