Question

select the correct answer. which of these sentences from herman melville’s short story the lightning - rod man is an example of allusion? a. it is the safest thing you can do—hark, again!—to get yourself thoroughly drenched in a thunder - storm. b. who has empowered you, you tetzel, to peddle round your indulgences from divine ordinations? c. will you order one of my rods? look at this specimen one? see: it is of the best of copper. copper’s the best conductor. d. briefly, then, i avoid pine - trees, high houses, lonely barns, upland pastures, running water, flocks of cattle and sheep, a crowd of men.

Explanation:

An allusion is a reference to a person, event, or work (like historical, literary, religious, etc.). Option B refers to Tetzel, who was involved in the sale of indulgences in the context of the Protestant Reformation, making it an allusion to that historical/religious event. Option A is about a thunder - storm situation, Option C is about selling a rod, and Option D is a descriptive scene—none of these are allusions like Option B.

Answer:

B. Who has empowered you, you Tetzel, to peddle round your indulgences from divine ordinations?