Question

which statement describes a gothic element in this excerpt that reflects a social attitude of whartons time? the narrator is dismissed by her superiors when she asks questions about an occurrence that may have been supernatural. the narrator fears that she may be doomed when she witnesses a strange woman walking around the home. the narrator feels like she lacks control of her own fate when her superiors refuse to answer her questions.

Explanation:

In Wharton's time, there was a social attitude of strict hierarchy and suppression of curiosity, especially regarding the supernatural. The narrator being dismissed for asking about a supernatural - related occurrence reflects this. Supernatural elements are common in Gothic literature, and the power - dynamic between the narrator and her superiors shows how lower - status individuals' inquisitiveness was not tolerated.

Answer:

The narrator is dismissed by her superiors when she asks questions about an occurrence that may have been supernatural.