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 wont 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 dont know,\ said carrie. \im rather shaky.\
\well, dont you be now,\ he said cordially, \it isnt 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—youll come out all right. you will—now be easy.\
adapted from theodore dreisers sister carrie, 1900.
2
select the correct answer.
what can you infer about hurstwoods thoughts regarding carries upcoming performance?
a. he thinks she needs more practice.
b. he thinks she will give an excellent performance.
c. he thinks she will be tempted to change her lines.
d. he thinks she shouldnt worry about the performance.

Explanation:

Hurstwood comforts Carrie, telling her the audience will be indulgent, missing lines is unimportant, and she will do well. This shows he believes she shouldn't be anxious about her performance. Option A is wrong as he doesn't mention more practice; Option B is incorrect because he doesn't claim she'll give an excellent performance, only that she'll be fine; Option C is wrong as he never suggests she'll change her lines.

Answer:

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