Question

what effect is accomplished by the author’s choice to put this paragraph at the beginning of the story?
a it lets us know where the story is set.
b it establishes the king as a powerful and ruthless figure.
c it demonstrates that the story takes place during a wartime period of history.
d it illustrates the prevalent attitudes towards the elderly at the time of the story.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The paragraph doesn't mention a specific location, so it doesn't tell where the story is set. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The paragraph describes the king as "very powerful", "fought and conquered all the surrounding countries", "killing all the old men and women... brought back as slaves". These details establish him as powerful and ruthless. This matches.
• Option C: The paragraph has no references to a wartime period. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The paragraph focuses on the king's power, not attitudes towards the elderly. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. It establishes the king as a powerful and ruthless figure.