Question

How does the oxymoron "kindly floods" affect the meaning of this sentence?

In April, the kindly floods of the desert springtime led to a glorious explosion of colorful wildflowers.
a)It paints a picture of sparkling, joyful color blossoming across the land.

b)It shows that different people can have different interpretations of the same phenomenon.

c)It illustrates the idea that the barren desert can become a scene of great beauty.

d)It suggests that although floods are generally dangerous and unwelcome, these floods increase nature's bounty.

Answer 1

The oxymoron 'kindly floods' suggests that the floods, typically associated with negative outcomes, have a positive effect in this context by nurturing wildflowers, leading to a beautiful natural display.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxymoron "kindly floods" in the sentence "In April, the kindly floods of the desert springtime led to a glorious explosion of colorful wildflowers." affects the meaning by suggesting a combination of seemingly contradictory terms—floods are typically associated with destruction, yet they are described as 'kindly', indicating a beneficial outcome. The correct answer is (d) It suggests that although floods are generally dangerous and unwelcome, these floods increase nature's bounty. This description acknowledges the dual nature of floods as both potentially harmful and beneficial, specifically highlighting the positive result of a lush bloom of wildflowers thanks to the flooding. The oxymoron makes the reader reconsider the typical associations with floods, presenting a more nuanced view of how natural events can have diverse effects on the environment.