Question

read the question carefully and select the best answer.
the passage below (paragraph 17) adds to the text mainly by
walter: … and maybe i’ll just get down on my black knees… he does so. ruth and bennie and mama watch him in frozen horror ‘captain, mistuh, bossman— groveling and grinning and wringing his hands in profoundly anguished imitation of the slow - witted movie stereotype yassuh boss! yessssuh! great white— voice breaking, he forces himself to go on —father, just gi’ ussen de money, fo’ god’s sake, and we’s— we’s ain’t gwine come out deh and dirty up yo’ white folks neighborhood…’ he breaks down completely and i’ll feel fine! fine! fine! he gets up and goes into the bedroom.
a. showing that walter is good at acting and impersonating others
b. showing that walter is prejudice against african americans
c. showing that walter feels ashamed of his decision to take the money
d. showing that walter has decided not to accept mr. lindner’s agreement

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage shows Walter's actions in a context of internal conflict, not to highlight his acting skills. His groveling is out of desperation, not a display of talent.
• Option B: Walter is an African American; the passage depicts his reaction to a situation (related to moving into a white neighborhood and money), not prejudice against his own race. The imitation is of a stereotype, not self - prejudice.
• Option C: Walter's actions (groveling, using a demeaning stereotype - like imitation) and his breakdown suggest he is ashamed of considering taking the money (from Mr. Lindner, likely related to not moving into the white neighborhood to avoid "dirtying" it). His anguished imitation and breaking down show his internal shame about the decision to take the money.
• Option D: The passage shows him in a state of considering taking the money (implied by "just gi' ussen de money") and being ashamed, not deciding not to accept. His actions are more about the shame of the potential decision rather than a firm rejection.

Answer:

C. showing that Walter feels ashamed of his decision to take the money