Question

In “Heat,” H.D. uses alliteration when she repeats the p sound in “presses up” and “points of pears.”

How does this use of alliteration affect the poem’s meaning?


It shows readers that, despite her complaints, the speaker actually appreciates how the heat cradles the pears.


It reminds readers that the speaker is trying to grab the pears and eat them in the hope of finding relief from the heat.


It demonstrates that the heat has been misunderstood by the speaker as a negative force when, in fact, it is a positive force.


It draws attention to the image of heat's exerting pressure on things, which helps suggest discomfort or claustrophobia.

Answer 1

The correct answer is the last: "It draws attention to the image of heat's exerting pressure on things, which helps suggest discomfort or claustrophobia".

It true that the speaker is considering  heat a negative force (as the third option states), but there is no evidence that supports the existence of misunderstanding.

On the other hand, the tone and phrases that the author is using, such as "thick air" or "cut the heat - plough through it" describe a situation of preassure or claustrophobia, that is even affecting the fruit. This is why she explicitly is asking heat to go away.

Answer 2

Answer: It draws attention to the image of heat's exerting pressure on things, which helps suggest discomfort or claustrophobia.

Explanation:

just took the test