Question

Based on the Latin root and suffix, what is the definition of the word gesticulations as Poe uses it?
A. "quality of using pleasing movements of the hands or arms"
B. "state of entertaining guests through movement"
C "process of copying the body movements of another"
D. "act of making movements with the body to emphasize ideas"​

Answer 1

Answer:

D. "act of making movements with the body to emphasize ideas"​.

Explanation:

The word "gesticulation" refers to the movement of hands and body parts to emphasize one's words. This involves gestures to lay more emphasis on what one wants to say or express.

The root of the word is from the Latin word "gesticulus" which means "to mimic", "to copy" etc. And in Edgar Allen Poe's "A Tell-Tale Heart", the word "gesticulation" is used by the killer narrator about his appearance in front of the officers, stating "I arose and argued about trifles, in a high key, and with violent gesticulations, but the noise steadily increased." And eventually, his mind played tricks on him, leading him to confess to the crime and was arrested.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.