Read the second stanza of "some keep the sabbath going to church." some keep the sabbath in surplice – i just wear my wings – and instead of tolling the bell, for church, our little sexton – sings. what is the effect of the word “surplice,” which is a garment worn by the clergy, in this stanza?

in this second stanza from   "some keep the sabbath going to church," the word "surplice" reinforce the difference between those for whom the important part of the sabbath are the rituals -going to the church, wearing special clothes-, and those, like the speaker, who believe that spirituality can be lived through nature.

amy tan

explanation:

b. the colonies must seek protection from other nations.