Question

When Mike adjusted his bicycle, I thought I was watching a chess game. He would stare at a part for a while before he acted. Then we would wait for his opponent's response. For example, he stared for ten minutes before tightening the rear sprockets. Then he rode the bike for a minute, analyzing the change in the bike's performance. At first, I thought he was too careful. Now, I realize he didn't want the bicycle to become his Waterloo.

Which is a true statement about the passage? (5 points)

It contains an analogy that compares Mike to someone watching a chess game.
It contains an allusion that compares Mike to someone watching a chess game.
It contains an analogy that compares Mike's adjusting his bicycle to a chess game.
It contains an allusion that compares Mike's adjusting his bicycle to a chess game.

Answer 1

Old question, answering to close

The passage contains a clear *comparison* between chess and Mike riding his bike. Immediately, this narrows us down to the "analogy" (not allusion) choices. An allusion is a reference to another literary/historical/etc. work, while an analogy is an extended comparison between two people/ideas, etc.

To narrow down between the two remaining choices - in the metaphorical chess game, is Mike *playing* chess or *observing*?