Read the excerpt from "My City" by James Weldon Johnson Will it be that no more I shall see the trees Or smell the flowers or hear the singing birds Or watch the flashing streams or patient herds? No, I am sure it will be none of these.

How does the poet's use of punctuation develop the tone of contemplation in this excerpt?

A. It forces the reader to consider whether the speaker is presenting truthful ideas.

B. It explains to the reader that the speaker is consumed by memories of the past.

C. It helps signal to the reader that the speaker is grappling with a particular thought.

D. It pushes the reader to engage in trying to answer the question the speaker poses.

Read the following excerpt from leslie marmon silko’s story "the man to send rain clouds." the priest stared down at his scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock. “for a christian burial it was necessary.” his voice was distant, and leon thought that his blue eyes looked tired. “it's o.k., father, we just want him to have plenty of water.” the priest sank down into the green chair and picked up a glossy missionary magazine. he turned the colored pages full of lepers and pagans without looking at them. “you know i can't do that, leon. there should have been the last rites and a funeral mass at the very least.” leon put on his green cap and pulled the flaps down over his ears. “it's getting late, father. i've got to go.” which of the following statements best describes the thematic significance of this dialogue? this dialogue emphasizes the ongoing personal conflict between leon and father paul. this conversation between leon and father paul makes it clear that they will never come to an agreement. leon’s and father paul’s differing perspectives of the situation reflect their larger cultural conflicts. leon’s hasty exit from father paul’s house reflects his discomfort with the priest and christianity.