When the Waterworks burned down at around three in the morning, the pumping machines went dead, and the water supply to the city stopped. The men at the Tribune would do their best to stamp out and smother the burning embers that landed on the roof, but eventually, the fire won out. The shock felt by White and other citizens when they learned the Tribune was a gutted skeleton was captured perfectly by Charles Mackintosh. After describing at great length how solid and fireproof the Tribune Building was, Mackintosh paused and, with a sad sigh, he concluded, "That is, it was fireproof up to the date of its destruction."
Which statement best describes the theme of this paragraph?
The fire was so fierce that it destroyed everything in its path.
Certain buildings were spared because they were fireproof.
Some structures were spared by the fire because their owners were prepared.
Most people did not even try to stop the fire because it was so massive.
1 answer
The statement that best describes the theme of this paragraph is:
"The fire was so fierce that it destroyed everything in its path."
This is reflected in the description of the Tribune being reduced to a "gutted skeleton" despite being described as solid and fireproof, highlighting the overwhelming power of the fire.
