Question

sister carrie
by theodore dreiser
she brooded over her lines the livelong day on friday—reporting first for a final rehearsal and later studying alone in her room.
“oh, dear! dear!” she said, “i just know i won’t succeed.”
at the rehearsal hurstwood put in an appearance. he could not resist the temptation.
“well,” he said, “i thought i had better run out and see how you felt.”
“oh, i don’t know,” said carrie. “i’m rather shaky.”
“well, don’t you be now,” he said cordially, “it isn’t worth it. these people will be indulgent with you. besides it will be nothing if you do miss some of your lines. just drive on—you’ll come out all right. you will—now be easy.”
adapted from theodore dreiser’s sister carrie, 1900.
4
select the correct answer.
what can you infer about hurstwood’s thoughts regarding carrie’s upcoming performance?
a. he thinks she needs more practice.
b. he thinks she shouldn’t worry about the performance.
c. he thinks she will be tempted to change her lines.
d. he thinks she will give an excellent performance.

Explanation:

Hurstwood comforts Carrie, telling her not to worry, that the audience will be indulgent, and that missing lines won't matter. He reassures her she will do fine, which shows he thinks she shouldn't fret over the performance.

Answer:

B. He thinks she shouldn't worry about the performance.