Question

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this passage. What effect does the symbol have on the meaning in "Here Is New York" by E.B. White? The commuter is the queerest bird of all. The suburb he inhabits has no essential vitality of its own and is a mere roost where he comes at day’s end to go to sleep. The symbol of commuters as birds illustrates how they come and go without ever experiencing the city. The symbolism of the suburbs as a “roost” expresses the safety and comfort of the commuter’s home. By describing the commuter as a bird, the writer emphasizes the freedom of commuters who can come and go from the city as they please. As birds are inherently pests, the writer uses symbolism to express his view that commuters offer nothing positive to New York.

Answer 1

"Here Is New York" is a book written by E. B. Whyte.

The correct answer is option C. The effect that the symbol has on the meaning in "Here Is New York"  is the following: The symbol of commuters as birds illustrates how they come and go without ever experiencing the city. Whyte uses symbolism to express the idea that commuters are free as birds because they can "come and go" according to their will.