Question

which paragraph from the short story best supports the answer to question 18?
\he threw himself eagerly into these studies - so much so that the banker had enough to do to get him the books he ordered.\ (paragraph 16)
\to - morrow at twelve oclock he will regain his freedom. by our agreement i ought to pay him two million. if i do pay him, it is all over with me: i shall be utterly ruined.\ (paragraph 21)
\at the table a man unlike ordinary people was sitting motionless. he was a skeleton with the skin drawn tight over his bones, with long curls like a womans and a shaggy beard.\ (paragraph 29)
\and i have only to take this half - dead man, throw him on the bed, stifle him a little with the pillow, and the most conscientious expert would find no sign of a violent death.\ (paragraph 30)
question 20
0 pts
which statement best describes how the bankers actions develop the theme of the story?
the bankers hasty and thoughtless actions lead to trouble and despair for him
the bankers disregard for human life shows the extent of his lack of compassion for others
the bankers adventurous spirit prompts him to create dangerous or risky situations
the bankers passionate defense of his view gets him into dangerous situations

Explanation:

For the first question, without knowing Question 18, we can't be certain, but if the answer to Question 18 relates to the banker's financial - related stress, Paragraph 21 about the banker's fear of ruin from paying two million would be a strong support. For the second question, the banker considering murdering the half - dead man in Paragraph 30 shows his disregard for human life, which aligns with the option about lack of compassion.

Answer:

Question 19: B. "To - morrow at twelve o'clock he will regain his freedom. By our agreement I ought to pay him two million. If I do pay him, it is all over with me: I shall be utterly ruined." (Paragraph 21)
Question 20: The banker's disregard for human life shows the extent of his lack of compassion for others.