The boats are compared to 'tired dogs'. What does this suggest about them?

Low Tide

The sea has pulled its blanket back
and left the beach in rows of ribs,
the sand all sewn with silver tracks
where small things scuttled, small things slid.

A gull stands guard on one bent leg,
a sentry nobody has posted.
The boats lie tilted in the mud
like tired dogs that have forgotten
what they came to guard.

Out beyond the rippled flats
the water gathers its slow strength,
and I, who love the empty shore,
am glad to know that it will come.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. They are resting, weary and no longer doing their job.

  1. Step 1: Tired dogs lie down and forget their purpose. Step 2. The boats lie tilted in the mud when there is no water. Answer: They are resting, weary and no longer doing their job. Why not the others: They are racing across the sand towards the returning sea.: Tired dogs do not race. They are new and bright, ready to be launched at the next tide.: 'tired' suggests wear. They are being chased up the beach by the incoming tide.: The comparison is about rest.

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