Question

which inference is best supported by the figurative language in this passage from john steinbecks travels with charley?

electric power and telephones went out with the first blast, as we knew they must. and eight - foot tides were predicted. we watched the wind rip at earth and sea like a surging pack of terriers.

a. the author finds the wind to be a good and loyal companion.

b. the author is surprised at how strong the storm is.

c. the noises made by the wind are worse than the actual harm it does.

d. the wind is powerful and destructive.

Explanation:

The figurative language compares the wind to a "surging pack of terriers" that "rip at earth and sea," which conveys the wind's strength and destructive force. The text also notes power/telephones failed and large tides were predicted, reinforcing this. Option A is incorrect (the wind is framed as harmful, not a companion). Option B is wrong because the author says they expected power/phones to fail, so no surprise. Option C is unsupported, as the text focuses on the wind's physical force, not noise vs. harm.

Answer:

D. The wind is powerful and destructive.