Question

Which excerpt from The War of the Worlds uses a sensory detail for aesthetic impact?

-"Henderson stood up with his spade in his hand."
-"Ogilvy told him all that he had seen."
-"The two men hurried back at once to the common, and found the cylinder still lying in the same position."
-"Air was either entering or escaping at the rim with a thin, sizzling sound."

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. Remember, the word "aesthetic" means "having a sense of beauty." Thus, the correct answer would involve a sensory detail that provides a sense of beauty. Answer D is correct because the image "a thin, sizzling sound" is not necessary to the passage. The sentence could have ended after the word "rim," and no meaning would have been lost. However, the sensory detail "a thin, sizzling sound" does have a clear aesthetic impact. First, this phrase produces a clear image for the reader to imagine. Second, this phrase sounds beautiful, thanks to the use of alliteration (sizzling sound) and onomatopoeia (the word "sizzling" mimics the sound of the air is making).

Answer 2

Answer:

D)

"Air was either entering or escaping at the rim with a thin, sizzling sound"