Question

Aunt Imogen was coming, and therefore The children—Jane, Sylvester, and Young George— Were eyes and ears; for there was only one Aunt Imogen to them in the whole world, And she was in it only for four weeks (5) In fifty-two. But those great bites of time Made all September a Queen’s Festival; In line 6 of the excerpt, what it the significance of the word bite?
A.) It suggests that the visit is just a brief sample of a pleasant life.
B.) It implies that the visit will have a painful and stinging effect.
C.) It implies that the children are only grudgingly willing to participate in their aunt’s visit.
D.) It suggests that time is something to be consumed and enjoyed.

Answer 1

Answer:

In line 6, the word bite D. suggests that time is something to be consumed and enjoyed.

Explanation:

Aunt Imogen is a character in Edwin Arlington Robinson's poem of the same name. She comes once a year to her sister's house, where she is adored by her niece and nephews. For the children, being visited by Aunt Imogen was beyond comparison. She is unique, and they adore her! Even though she is to stay for only four weeks, the time they spend with her must be thoroughly enjoyed. I believe the author uses the word bite to express precisely that. When we eat our favorite food, we take "great bites", we consume it rather fast, but in utter joy. The same goes for the time they spend together. The "great bites of time" are consumed as their favorite food would be: completely and pleasantly.