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

Craft and Structure practice question

The following text is from a novel. At the reading of the will, Clem listened with his hat on his knee and his eyes on the window, and when his name was not read out he nodded, once, as a man nods at a train he had not expected to catch.

Which choice best describes the function of the comparison to the train?

  1. A. It conveys that Clem had not expected to inherit and accepts the outcome without surprise.Correct
  2. B. It indicates that Clem is late for a train.
  3. C. It suggests that Clem is angry.
  4. D. It implies that Clem inherited after all.

Answer: A. It conveys that Clem had not expected to inherit and accepts the outcome without surprise.

A train not expected: no surprise, no protest.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It indicates that Clem is late for a train.
A comparison.
C. It suggests that Clem is angry.
A single nod is not anger.
D. It implies that Clem inherited after all.
His name was not read.

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