16Hit1600
Craft and StructureHardFunction of a detail in a literary passage

Craft and Structure practice question

The following text is from a novel. In her last year Nana refused to throw away the calendar from the year Grandpa died. It hung on the kitchen wall, seven years out of date, its March page never turned. Maren, dusting it each week, learned not to mention the date.

Which choice best describes the function of the detail that the calendar's 'March page' was 'never turned'?

  1. A. It suggests that, for Nana, time stopped at the month of her husband's death.Correct
  2. B. It shows that Nana forgot to change the page.
  3. C. It indicates that the calendar was broken.
  4. D. It implies that March was Nana's favourite month.

Answer: A. It suggests that, for Nana, time stopped at the month of her husband's death.

Seven years on, still March: the month he died, kept.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It shows that Nana forgot to change the page.
Refusing to throw it away shows intent, not forgetfulness.
C. It indicates that the calendar was broken.
A calendar page is turned by hand; nothing is broken.
D. It implies that March was Nana's favourite month.
March is the month of the death, not a favourite.

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