Can verb phrases be transitive (ex. are eating)?

What does the simile add to the passage

The author most likely uses the word monstrous rather than the word “unpleasant” because it has a more positive connotation than the word “unpleasant.” a more negative connotation than the word “unpleasant.” a more neutral connotation than the word “unpleasant.” almost the same connotation as the word “unpleasant.”

How does a wilted rose represent/symbolizes dark romanticism