READ THIS RLLY SHORT PASSAGE AN ANSWER QUESTION FOR Sometimes authors use a symbol as an omen, or sign, to foreshadow what is to come. When you see a classic symbol of bad luck or death appear in a story, it’s likely that the author included it on purpose. For example, it’s a common superstition that crossing paths with a black cat will bring bad luck. If a story begins with the main character seeing a black cat run across the street, you can guess that he or she will soon encounter danger. Other examples of superstitious bad omens include the number 13, ravens, crows, bad weather, breaking something, walking under a ladder and opening an umbrella indoors.

However, symbolic omens are not always tied to superstition. Authors sometimes use a seemingly random detail as an omen to indicate that something similar may occur. For example, in the opening paragraph of A Farewell to Arms, Ernest Hemingway writes, “The leaves fell early that year.” This may seem like a minor detail, but it foreshadows a character’s early death later in the story.

Which of these excerpts does not contain a symbolic omen?

A
When Mari opened the curtains, she noticed a raven looking right at her.

B
Mike was excited to get to the dance. He wondered if there would be a live band or a DJ.

C
It was the day the judge would give his verdict. As Paul pulled up to the courthouse, he noticed dark storm clouds gathering above the building.

D
Joon couldn’t wait to show off his guitar skills at the talent show; he’d been practicing for weeks. But when he took out his guitar for one final practice session, one of its strings broke!