Question

the following passage (paragraph 4) mainly shows that ________. a friend of mine has an uncle who, in his youth, was a wild lad, extravagant young blood. his children were the amazement of even his fondest friends. he drank, he caroused, bringing his matchmaking in a cloak (by consorting with an heiress, a beautiful philadelphia seraph, he joined by this alliance (under his hands, divorced her, and they fled to a distant and wild country. he was, in effect, a brilliant, worthless, immoral, and conscienceless person. now he is the senior deacon of a boston presbyterian church, very strict on morality in every aspect, a terror to the young, with an irreproachable business career, and a very old family circle. mrs. curran must know of similar cases; so why multiply instances? and think how small and uncomprehending our grandparents will be when we have emerged from the roaring forties! and fifties. a. theres no need to panic, because most of the young generation will eventually become preachers of religion b. although the authors friend wanted to be a preacher, his thoughts prevented his acceptance into the church c. theres no reason to panic, because the younger generation will probably tone that address as they age d. although the adults are in a panic, the younger generation is actually uncomprehending and cruel

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the passage and options:

1. Analyze Option A: The passage’s last part says "most of the young generation will certainly become preachers of derision" (mocking), but the main focus is on the uncle’s situation and the contrast with the young. A’s claim about "no need to panic" due to young becoming preachers is not the main point of the paragraph. Eliminate A.

1. Analyze Option B: The passage describes the uncle as a "pillar" of the church, but the question is about what the paragraph implies. The option’s focus on "his thoughts" preventing acceptance is not supported by the text (the text talks about the young’s attitude, not the uncle’s thoughts). Eliminate B.

1. Analyze Option C: The passage ends with "how small and unimportant our grievances will be when we have emerged from the roaring forties’ and fifties" (implying the young will outgrow their attitudes). The line "Mrs. Carrowd must know of similar cases; so why unduly bother?" and the contrast between the uncle’s steadiness and the young’s chaos suggest there’s no need to panic because the younger generation will likely mature/change. This matches C’s logic.

1. Analyze Option D: The passage says the young are "very strong on morality in every aspect, a terror to sin" (not "unconcerned and cruel"). D misinterprets the young’s traits. Eliminate D.

Answer:

C. there’s no reason to panic, because the younger generation will probably lose that attitude as they age