Read the excerpt below:
"As the environmental activist spoke about the relentless deforestation of the ancient woodland, she described the logging machinery as 'iron locusts devouring the green lungs of our province.' The hall fell completely quiet as the stark reality of the destruction settled over the audience."
In the context of the passage, what does the figurative expression 'iron locusts devouring the green lungs of our province' convey?
- It characterizes the heavy machinery as destructive consumers of an essential, life-giving natural resource.Answer
- BIt indicates that metallic insect swarms have invaded the agricultural crops of the province.
- CIt suggests that the provincial authorities will soon pass legislation to ban all heavy industrial equipment.
- DIt means the woodland trees are suffering from an airborne biological disease affecting human organs.
Answer
The expression characterizes the heavy machinery as destructive consumers of an essential, life-giving natural resource.
The phrase combines two vivid metaphors: 'iron locusts' highlights the unstoppable, consumerist destruction wrought by metal machinery, and 'green lungs' emphasizes the essential role of forests in supplying oxygen and sustaining regional environmental health. Together, they convey devastating destruction of a vital natural resource.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Contextual Interpretation of Metaphor
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