Which comment gives the best analysis of the phrase 'a shadow of her former self'?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The metaphor of a shadow suggests she has become faint and diminished

  1. Step 1: A strong analysis names the technique and explains the effect.
  2. Step 2: The metaphor of a shadow suggests she is faint, empty and reduced compared with before.
Answer
The metaphor of a shadow suggests she has become faint and diminished.
Why not the others: It is a long phrase: This comments on length, not meaning. It uses three words beginning with s: The phrase does not do this. It tells us what colour her clothes were: The phrase is not about clothes.

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