In “They are hostile nations,” why does the author choose the word “dormant” to in line 21?

She chose the word 'dormant to describe the inactivity in the symbolic fields. Just as the birds in the fields entered a state of inactivity, so did the nation suffer unproductivity because of the war.

Explanation:

In the poem, the author describes the condition of the warring sides between East and West Berlin. Dormancy was used to describe the fields highlighting the fact that there was inactivity in the land due to the continued fighting between the nations.

No significant progress could be made because the war sponsored by the big nations would not allow that. Birds were known to be dormant for several days, months, or years. So also, was the troubled German nation then.

beowulf sets out on his journey for daneland. -- 1

hrothgar welcomes beowulf. -- 2

beowulf waits for grendel to attack heorot. -- 3

beowulf succeeds in defeating grendel by tearing off his arm. -- 4

beowulf fights with grendel’s mother. -- 5

beowulf sets out for his fight with the dragon. -- 6

beowulf sets out for his geatish homeland. -- 7