Question

select the correct answer
read the sentence from paragraph 9.
it flashed across my mind at that moment that as those on board the abraham lincoln, having once seen the effect of ned land’s harpoon when it struck the nautilus, could not but have concluded their enemy was no monster of the deep—though indeed a monster of man’s contriving—its warfare of all nations would now be on the book - out for the nautilus, and we on board it could scarcely hope for mercy.
which definition provides the correct denotative meaning for the word flashed in the passage?
a. flickered quickly
b. appeared suddenly
c. glimmered slightly
d. sparked boldly

Explanation:

To determine the denotative meaning of "flashed" in the sentence "It flashed across my mind...", we analyze each option:

• Option A: "flickered quickly" relates to a quick, brief appearance of a thought (like a flash), matching the context of a thought crossing the mind.
• Option B: "appeared suddenly" implies a more abrupt start, but "flashed" here is about a quick, passing thought, not just sudden appearance.
• Option C: "glimmered slightly" suggests a faint, steady light, which doesn't fit the idea of a thought crossing the mind quickly.
• Option D: "sparked boldly" implies a bold, intense start, which is not the meaning of "flashed" in this context.

Answer:

A. flickered quickly