Question

Literary Word Choice Quick Check
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Cannibalism in the Cars
by Mark Twain

I visited St. Louis lately, and on my way West, after changing cars at Terre Haute, Indiana, a mild, benevolent-looking gentleman of about forty-five, or maybe fifty, came in at one of the way-stations and sat down beside me. We talked together pleasantly on various subjects for an hour, perhaps, and I found him exceedingly intelligent and entertaining.



"Cannibalism in the Cars" by Mark Twain

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

How does the author’s use of the multiple-meaning word mild affect the reader’s understanding of the gentleman?

(1 point)
Responses

The gentleman seems extreme and severe.
The gentleman seems extreme and severe.

The gentleman has a bland personality.
The gentleman has a bland personality.

The gentleman has a gentle and kind demeanor.
The gentleman has a gentle and kind demeanor.

The gentleman is noble and proper.
The gentleman is noble and proper.
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Answer 1

The correct response is:

**The gentleman has a gentle and kind demeanor.**

This choice reflects the connotation of the word "mild," suggesting a soft-spoken and gentle personality, which aligns with the description of the gentleman as "benevolent-looking."