City trees The trees along this city street, Save for the traffic and the trains, Would make a sound as thin and sweet As trees in country lanes And people standing in their shade Out of a shower undoubtedly Would hear such music as is made Upon a country tree Oh, little leaves that are so dumb 10 Against the shrieking city air, I watch you when the wind has come- I know what sound is there. - How do the words "little,"dumb," and "shrieking" in lines 9-10 impact the meaning of the poem? Oh, little leaves that are so dumb Against the shrieking city air; A. They describe the sounds that the traffic and trains make. B. They emphasize the natural beauty of the trees and leaves. C. They convey the idea that city trees are limited in their abilities.

The correct answer is C. They convey the idea that city trees are limited in their abilities.<br /><br />The words "little," "dumb," and "shrieking" in lines 9-10 impact the meaning of the poem by conveying the idea that city trees are limited in their abilities compared to trees in the countryside.<br /><br />The word "little" suggests that the leaves are small and perhaps insignificant. The word "dumb" implies that the leaves are unable to speak or express themselves, which contrasts with the "shrieking" city air. The "shrieking" city air suggests a loud, chaotic, and perhaps unpleasant noise, which contrasts with the natural, peaceful sound of the trees in the countryside.<br /><br />By using these words, the poet emphasizes the limitations of the city trees and how they are unable to provide the same natural beauty and tranquility as trees in the countryside. This highlights the contrast between the urban environment and the natural world, and the poet's longing for the simplicity and beauty of the countryside.