Question

determine denotation and connotation
this is a multi - part item.
what is the denotation of the word engulf?
options: flow over or enclose
what is the connotation of engulf?
options: positive, implies an embrace; negative, implies something that is all - consuming; negative, implies something that is slowly taking over
there can be no gainsaying the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community. birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the united states. its ugly record of brutality is widely known. negroes have experienced grossly unjust treatment in the courts.
—letter from birmingham jail, martin luther king jr.

Explanation:

First Sub - Question (Denotation of "engulf")

Denotation is the literal or dictionary meaning of a word. From the options, "flow over or enclose" is the literal action that "engulf" describes, as it means to surround or cover completely, which aligns with the idea of flowing over or enclosing something.

Connotation is the emotional or cultural association of a word. In the context of racial injustice engulfing Birmingham, "engulf" has a negative connotation. The option "negative, implies something that is all - consuming" fits because racial injustice is a harmful force that completely takes over the community, and "all - consuming" captures the overwhelming nature of the injustice. The other negative option about "slowly taking over" doesn't match the intensity of "engulf", and the positive option is incorrect as injustice is negative.

Answer:

flow over or enclose

Second Sub - Question (Connotation of "engulf")