Question

which figurative expression best conveys mary’s emotional state immediately after the crime? standard: ela.e1.aor.1.2 “she carried it into the kitchen and placed it in the oven.” “the leg of lamb was like a silent accomplice.” “her nerves were a million little wires.” “she might just as well have hit him with a steel bar.”

Explanation:

• The first option describes an action, not figurative language for emotion.
• The second option figuratively frames the lamb as an accomplice, but this focuses on the weapon, not Mary's emotional state.
• The third option uses a simile to directly compare Mary's nerves to "a million little wires," vividly conveying her heightened, frayed, anxious emotional state right after the crime.
• The fourth option reflects on the crime's impact, not her immediate emotions.

Answer:

"Her nerves were a million little wires."