Question

read the excerpt from \digging.\
under my window, a clean rasping sound
when the spade sinks into gravelly ground:
my father, digging. i look down

read the haiku by bashō.
clear water—
a tiny crab
crawling up my leg.

which statement best describes the similarities between the excerpt from \digging\ and the haiku?

• both use alliteration to connect ideas and create interesting sounds.
• both are disjointed by the sound devices used by the poets.
• both explore the topic of farming.
• both shift from the present time to the past.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: The excerpt from Digging uses alliteration (e.g., "clean rasping sound", "spade sinks into gravelly ground") and the haiku uses alliteration (e.g., "Clear water", "crawling up my leg") to link images and create rhythmic, engaging sound.
2. Eliminate other options: The second option is incorrect because sound devices unify, not disjoint, the works. The third option is incorrect because the haiku does not involve farming. The fourth option is incorrect because both works are set entirely in the present moment with no shift to the past.

Answer:

A. Both use alliteration to connect ideas and create interesting sounds.