Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 50%

It was true that Charles Wallace seldom spoke when anybody was around, so that many people thought that he'd never learned to talk. And it was true that he hadn't talked at all until he was almost four. Meg would turn white with fury when people looked at him and clucked, shaking their heads sadly.
-Madeleine L'Engle, from A Wrinkle in
Time

In the excerpt, the descriptions of the setting primarily serve to

Rationale

In the excerpt, the descriptions of the setting primarily serve to reveal an aspect of the character's state of mind.

The setting descriptions emphasize Meg's emotional response to how others perceive Charles Wallace, showcasing her protective feelings and anger. This illustrates her internal struggle as she grapples with the judgment placed on her brother, thereby reflecting her state of mind.

A (introduce an obstacle the character must overcome) YOUR ANSWER

While the excerpt does suggest that Charles Wallace's speech delay is a challenge, it does not specifically present an obstacle that requires overcoming. The focus is more on Meg's emotional reaction to the perceptions of others rather than a clear obstacle that needs to be faced.

B (reveal an aspect of the character's state of mind) CORRECT

The descriptions effectively highlight Meg's intense feelings of frustration and protectiveness regarding her brother. Her emotional turmoil is central to the excerpt, as it underscores her response to social judgments, providing insight into her character and motivations.

C (highlight the physical attributes of the character) YOUR ANSWER

The passage does not focus on Charles Wallace's physical characteristics but instead centers on Meg's emotional reactions to his situation. Therefore, this choice does not accurately reflect the purpose of the descriptions in the excerpt.

D (introduce the motivations for the character's actions) YOUR ANSWER

Although Meg's fury indicates her motivations to protect Charles Wallace, the excerpt primarily reveals her emotional state rather than explicitly stating her motivations for actions. This makes the option less suitable as the main purpose of the descriptions.

Conclusion

The excerpt primarily serves to convey Meg's emotional state, particularly her frustration and protectiveness toward Charles Wallace. Through the reactions of others and Meg's responses, the narrative emphasizes her feelings rather than outlining obstacles or physical attributes. Understanding her state of mind enriches the reader's perception of her character and the dynamics at play within the story.

Related Questions

View all