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QuizLong Text

T.S. Eliot: The Hollow Men

Question 3 • English 12 B

Which lines from Part I of “The Hollow Men” imply that what people say is insignificant? Explain why your answer choice is correct.a. “We are the stuffed men / Leaning together / Headpiece filled with straw.” (lines 2–4)b. “Our dried voices, when / We whisper together / Are quiet and meaningless / as wind in dry grass / Or rats; feet over broken glass . . .” (lines 5–9)c. “Shape without form, shade without color . . .” (line 11)d. “Those who have crossed / With direct eyes, to death’s other Kingdom / Remember us . . .” (lines 13–15)

Answer

Answer:

The best choice is b: "Our dried voices, when / We whisper together / Are quiet and meaningless / as wind in dry grass / Or rats’ feet over broken glass . . ." These lines directly say that their voices are "meaningless," which implies that what people say has little value or significance. The comparisons to dry grass and rats’ feet also make their speech seem weak, empty, and unpleasant.

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