Which statement best explains the effect of the word
"firmly" in this excerpt?

It directs the reader's attention back to the squat pen.
It suggests that the spade is too heavy for the father.
It emphasizes the speaker's distaste for hard work.
It shows that the father works with skill and control

This question is missing the excerpt. I've found the complete question online. It is as follows:

The coarse boot nestled on the lug, the shaft Against the inside knee was levered firmly.

Which statement best explains the effect of the word "firmly” in this excerpt?

A. It directs the reader’s attention back to the squat pen.

B. It suggests that the spade is too heavy for the father.

C. It emphasizes the speaker’s distaste for hard work.

D. It shows that the father works with skill and control.

The word firmly is best explained by:

D. It shows that the father works with skill and control.

Explanation:

This excerpt is from the poem "Digging" by Seamus Heaney. The speaker of the poem is describing how skilled his father and grandfather are when it comes to digging, to working the soil to grow potatoes. They do it deftly, with precise movements, as the excerpt shows: the shaft Against the inside knee was levered firmly.  The purpose of the adverb "firmly" here is to cause in readers this impression of ability, of competence. The father's movements are powerful and accurate.

dioneo just might be like one of your friends. he is a good looking guy that can say whatever he want and get away with it. he's brings life because he can sing and play the lute. he is also dangerous because he can convince you to do anything for him because his wit is so sharp, you can not resist. dioneo is determined to take the next logical step and initiate a small campaign for freedom of speech. he does this by begging to be released from telling stories that conform to the daily theme. then, during his own time, he chooses a themes that are scandalous and he gets the response he expects.