Question

peter by theodore dresser (adapted excerpt) now peter was in st. louis in 1892, and i had come down from chicago as globe-democrat. he was a part of the art department force of that and he never seemed to change later even so much as a hair’s worth— and yet quick and even jerky in his manner, with a bushy, vagabond-like beard, most swiftly and astonishingly disposed of at times only to be and always, and intentionally, i am sure, most amusing to contemplate. in he had an air of well-being, force, and alertness. it belied the other surface anything more than a genial pose or bit of idle cheerfulness. self seriously and yet lightly, usually with an air of suppressed joy, as his whole business of living is a great joke. he always wore good and yet by clothes, at times bespattered with ink or, worse yet, even soup—an uery that was the dismay of all who knew him, friends and relatives 4 select the correct answer how does the author’s use of characterization develop the passage? a. it highlights the internal conflict that peter faces throughout the narrative b. it highlights peter’s background, which plays an important role for developing the mood c. it highlights peter’s individuality, which distinguishes him from normal social expectations d. it highlights the emotional connection that peter shares with the narrator

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage's characterization of Peter (e.g., his manner, appearance, attitude) does not focus on internal conflict.
• Option B: The characterization describes Peter's traits, not his background, and there's no emphasis on mood development via background.
• Option C: Details like his "bushy, vagabond - like beard", carefree attitude towards clothes (bespattered with ink/soup), and viewing life as a "great joke" show his unique individuality that goes against typical social norms (e.g., proper dress, serious demeanor).
• Option D: The characterization is about Peter's own traits, not his emotional connection with the narrator.

Answer:

C. It highlights Peter's individuality, which distinguishes him from normal social expectations