Read the following excerpt from "Notes of a Native Son' by James Baldwin:
In my mind's eye, I could see him, sitting at the window,
locked up in his terrors; hating and fearing every living soul
including his children who had betrayed him, too, by
reaching towards the world which had despised him.
Which statement best explains how the use of figurative language conveys
meaning in this excerpt?
A. It reveals that the man's prison of fear has caused him to be
emotionally isolated from everyone.
B. It exaggerates the smallness of the man compared to the outside
world to reveal how petty his hate has made him.
C. It links the man and the mind's eye to show how desperate the
man was for human interaction.
D. It makes his children's success in adapting to America seem
possible for the man to achieve as well.



Answer :

In the given excerpt from "Notes of a Native Son" by James Baldwin, the use of figurative language serves to convey meaning in the following way:

A. It reveals that the man's prison of fear has caused him to be emotionally isolated from everyone.

1. The imagery of the man "sitting at the window, locked up in his terrors" paints a picture of someone consumed by fear and paranoia.
2. The description of him "hating and fearing every living soul" indicates a deep sense of alienation and distrust towards others.
3. The mention of his children "reaching towards the world which had despised him" highlights his perceived betrayal by those closest to him, intensifying his isolation and bitterness.

By choosing option A, we understand that the figurative language used in the excerpt effectively conveys the theme of emotional isolation and the destructive impact of fear and hatred on human relationships.

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