Question

reread paragraph 17.
how does the author use nesta to develop the theme that \courage is not the absence of fear, but acting despite it\?

a. the author emphasizes nesta’s gratitude for william’s rescue.

b. the author contrasts nesta’s initial fear with her desire to be one of the king’s knights at the end.

c. the author describes the king and queen’s shock at nesta’s choice of the boasting banquet winner.

d. the author reveals that nesta’s ongoing fears prevent her from performing her duties as a knight.

(paragraph 17: and so in this way, ned and nesta made each other feel bold and brave and stout - hearted.)

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Nesta's gratitude for William's rescue is not related to the theme of courage being acting despite fear. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Initially, Nesta is afraid of the dark (as seen in her request for torches and her question about what to do). At the end, she becomes one of the king’s knights, showing she acted despite her fear. This contrasts her initial fear with her desire to be a knight, aligning with the theme.
• Option C: The king and queen’s shock at her choice of the banquet winner does not relate to the theme of courage. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The text shows Nesta overcomes her fears to become a knight, not that her fears prevent her from duties. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. The author contrasts Nesta’s initial fear with her desire to be one of the king’s knights at the end.