Question

read the excerpt from silent spring. then, answer the question.
o witchcraft, no enemy action had silenced the rebirth of new life in this stricken world. the people had done it themselves.\ what is the author’s purpose for this quotation?
∘ to show that the problems are the result of mysterious forces
∘ to make readers feel guilty
∘ to emphasize the horror of what has happened
∘ to convince readers that the problems are unsolvable

Explanation:

The quote rules out witchcraft/enemy action, blaming people. It highlights the horror of human - caused destruction (silencing new life). Option 1 is wrong (no mysterious forces). Option 2: Guilt isn't the main focus. Option 4: It doesn't say problems are unsolvable. So the purpose is to emphasize the horror.

Answer:

To emphasize the horror of what has happened (the third option: "to emphasize the horror of what has happened")