Question

the shot alexander pushkin 1 i arrived at silvios house at the appointed time, and found nearly the whole regiment there. all his things were already packed; nothing remained but the bare, bullet - riddled walls. we sat down to table. our host was in an excellent humor, and his gaiety was quickly communicated to the rest. corks popped every moment, glasses foamed incessantly, and, with the utmost warmth, we wished our departing friend a pleasant journey and every happiness. when we rose from the table it was already late in the evening. after having wished everybody good - by, silvio took me by the hand and detained me just at the moment when i was preparing to depart. 2 “i want to speak to you,” he said in a low voice. 3 i stopped behind. 4 the guests had departed, and we two were left alone. sitting down opposite each other, we silently lit our pipes. silvio seemed greatly troubled; not a trace remained of his former convulsive gaiety. the intense pallor of his face, his sparkling eyes, and the thick smoke issuing from his mouth, gave him a truly diabolical appearance. several minutes elapsed. why does the author choose to end this passage in this way? a to show the reader that silvio is a sensitive and caring man. b to demonstrate to the reader that love is the root of all problems. c to create a comic ending to what is an otherwise tragically sad story. d to create interest in the reader in hearing about silvios escape from death.

Explanation:

The passage ends with Silvio detaining the narrator just as he's about to leave and wanting to speak in a low - voice, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation. This is likely to pique the reader's interest in what Silvio has to say, potentially about his experiences like an escape from death. There is no indication that Silvio is sensitive and caring, nor that love is the root of all problems, and the ending doesn't seem comical.

Answer:

D. to create interest in the reader in hearing about Silvio's escape from death.