Question

The author includes the descriptions of the sunset, the clouds, and the hemlock shadows (lines 57425 – 73378) primarily to __________
A) Suggest the peacefulness of the natural world.
B) Emphasize the acuteness of two characters’ sensations.
C) Foreshadow the declining fortunes of two characters.
D) Offer a sense of how fleeting time can be.

Answer 1

Hint: The passage is adapted from Edith Wharton's novel "Ethan Frome." The book was first published in 1911. In 1993, the novel Ethan Frome was adapted into a film. It was directed by John Madden, and starred Patricia Arquette, Liam Neeson, Joan Allen and Tate Donovan. Silence, loneliness, delusion, and the repercussions of living according to the laws of society are all major themes in Ethan Frome.

Complete answer:
The story of Ethan Frome takes place against the backdrop of a New England winter, which is cold, gray, and bleak. Ethan Frome is a solitary farmer attempting to make a meager living while caring for his ungrateful wife, Zeena. When Ethan's wife's cousin Mattie comes to help, a ray of hope enters his life of despair. As he falls in love with Mattie, his life is changed, but their love is doomed by the suffocating conventions of the time. This novel is classic American literature.

Now let us look into the given options:
A) Suggest the peacefulness of the natural world – It is incorrect since the definitions do not seem to be used solely to highlight the natural world's peacefulness
B) Emphasize the acuteness of two characters’ sensations – The descriptions mainly serve to highlight the strength of the characters' sensations in the sense of the lines from 57425 to 73378, which focuses on the bond Ethan and Mattie create through their mutual interest in and sensitivity to nature. As per the passage, when Ethan and Matti are in the presence of natural beauty, they feel a strong "shock of silent joy." These lines may evoke a calm and harmonious scene for some readers. Hence, it is the correct option.
C) Foreshadow the declining fortunes of two characters – It is incorrect since the passage provides no indications that the details are included specifically to foreshadow Ethan's and Mattie's declining fortunes. Apart from Ethan's agitation about his relationship with Mattie, there is no proof in the passage of either character's deterioration.
D) Offer a sense of how fleeting time can be – It is incorrect since the passage contains no proof that the explanations are used solely to convey a sense of time passing quickly. In fact, the pace at which time passes has no effect on the passing of time.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘B’.


Note:
- According to the New York Times, Ethan Frome's story is "compelling and haunting." Lionel Trilling criticized the novel for lacking moral or ethical meaning.
- For the San Francisco Ballet, Cathy Marston adapted the book into a one-act ballet called Snowblind. The ballet was first performed in 2018.
- Edith Wharton was an American novelist, designer, and short story writer who lived from 1862 to 1937. In 1996, she was elected to the National Women's Hall of Fame.