Question

in this selection, the fur stole is a symbol. a symbol is something that stands for or represents something else besides its own literal meaning. based on these two excerpts from the selection, what symbol does the fur stole most likely represent? a the rules of society b miss brills childhood memories c the ebb and flow of fashion trends d miss brills youth excerpt 1 excerpt 2 but today she passed the baker’s by, climbed the stairs, went into the little dark room--her room like a cupboard--and sat down on couch. she sat there for a long time. the box that the fur came out of was on the bed. she unclasped the necklet quickly; quickly, without looking, laid it inside. but when she put the lid on, she thought she heard something crying.

Explanation:

To determine the symbol of the fur stole, we analyze the excerpt. When Miss Brill puts the fur away, she hears something crying, suggesting the fur is linked to her past. Option A (society’s rules) is unrelated. Option B (childhood memories) is too narrow; the fur more likely represents her youth (a broader past). Option C (fashion trends) doesn’t fit the emotional tone. So the fur stole represents Miss Brill’s youth.

Answer:

D. Miss Brill’s youth