Read the excerpt from "A Pair of Silk Stockings."

Question

The neighbors sometimes talked of certain "better days" that little Mrs. Sommers had known before she had ever thought of being Mrs. Sommers. She herself indulged in no such morbid retrospection. She had no time—no second of time to devote to the past. The needs of the present absorbed her every faculty. A vision of the future like some dim, gaunt monster sometimes appalled her, but luckily to-morrow never comes.
Which statement best describes the point of view?
The third-person point of view is the voice of a character in the story.
The third-person point of view is an observer with limited omniscience.
The first-person point of view is a subjective character in the story.
The first-person point of view is an omniscient observer.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes the point of view in the excerpt is: The third-person point of view is an observer with limited omniscience.

This is because the narrator provides insights into Mrs. Sommers' thoughts and feelings but does not delve into the thoughts of other characters, indicating a limited understanding of the situation.

Answer 2

Read the excerpt from "A Pair of Silk Stockings."

But she went on feeling the soft, sheeny luxurious things—with both hands now, holding them up to see them glisten, and to feel them glide serpent-like through her fingers.

Which best describes the underlying tone of the excerpt created by the connotations of the words “soft,” ”luxurious,” “glisten,” and “serpent-like”?
gloom
temptation
forgiveness
suspicion

Answer 3

The underlying tone of the excerpt created by the connotations of the words "soft," "luxurious," "glisten," and "serpent-like" is best described as temptation.

The use of words that evoke a sense of luxury and allure suggests a strong attraction to the items being described, implying a desire for indulgence and pleasure. The term "serpent-like" can also connote danger or seduction, further emphasizing the theme of temptation.

Answer 4

Read the excerpt from "A Pair of Silk Stockings."

She was not going through any acute mental process or reasoning with herself, nor was she striving to explain to her satisfaction the motive of her action. She was not thinking at all. She seemed for the time to be taking a rest from that laborious and fatiguing function and to have abandoned herself to some mechanical impulse that directed her actions and freed her of responsibility.

Which topic is represented in the excerpt?
the joys and pitfalls of motherhood
the brief rejection of an obligatory role
the subconscious desire for luxury
the pressures of a forceful society

Answer 5

The topic represented in the excerpt is the subconscious desire for luxury.

The excerpt describes a moment where the character is not engaging in conscious thought or reasoning, suggesting an instinctive pull towards indulgence and luxury without the burden of responsibility or moral consideration. This aligns with the idea of a desire for luxury that is so powerful it becomes almost reflexive.

Answer 6

Read the excerpt from "A Pair of Silk Stockings."

She sat herself upon a revolving stool before a counter that was comparatively deserted, trying to gather strength and courage to charge through an eager multitude that was besieging breastworks of shirting and figured lawn. An all-gone limp feeling had come over her and she rested her hand aimlessly upon the counter. She wore no gloves. By degrees she grew aware that her hand had encountered something very soothing, very pleasant to touch. She looked down to see that her hand lay upon a pile of silk stockings.

Which best describes the mood the author conveys?
a mood of surrender
a mood of confrontation
a mood of suspense
a mood of restlessness

Answer 7

The mood the author conveys in the excerpt is a mood of surrender.

This is evident as the character feels an "all-gone limp feeling" and rests her hand aimlessly on the counter, indicating a sense of giving in to her current state. The way she gathers strength and courage to face the crowd suggests an initial struggle, but the encounter with the soothing silk stockings emphasizes a moment of yielding to comfort and desire.

Answer 8

Read the excerpt from "A Pair of Silk Stockings."

She sat herself upon a revolving stool before a counter that was comparatively deserted, trying to gather strength and courage to charge through an eager multitude that was besieging breastworks of shirting and figured lawn. An all-gone limp feeling had come over her and she rested her hand aimlessly upon the counter.

Which best explains why the author chose the words “comparatively deserted” to describe the counter where Mrs. Sommers sits?
to help the reader understand Mrs. Sommers’ determination to secure objects selling below cost
to help the reader visualize Mrs. Sommers setting herself apart from the more crowded bargain area of the store
to help the reader visualize Mrs. Sommers elbowing her way through the other bargain shoppers
to help the reader understand Mrs. Sommers’ forgetfulness while preparing herself for her shopping outing

Answer 9

The best explanation for why the author chose the words “comparatively deserted” to describe the counter where Mrs. Sommers sits is to help the reader visualize Mrs. Sommers setting herself apart from the more crowded bargain area of the store.

This phrase highlights that while there is a bustling crowd in other areas, Mrs. Sommers finds herself in a less crowded space, which emphasizes her vulnerability and the contrast between her situation and the eagerness of others. It helps underscore her feelings of isolation and hesitation amidst the shopping chaos.

Answer 10

Read the excerpt from "A Pair of Silk Stockings."
The question of investment was one that occupied her greatly. For a day or two she walked about apparently in a dreamy state, but really absorbed in speculation and calculation. She did not wish to act hastily, to do anything she might afterward regret. But it was during the still hours of the night when she lay awake revolving plans in her mind that she seemed to see her way clearly toward a proper and judicious use of the money.

Which best describes Mrs. Sommers’s attitude about her recent fortune?
She is very eager to spend the money on a series of desired items.
She wants to spend the money in the most responsible way possible.
She is inclined to save the money, in case of a later emergency.
She would rather not have the responsibility that comes with the money.

Answer 11

The statement that best describes Mrs. Sommers’s attitude about her recent fortune is She wants to spend the money in the most responsible way possible.

The excerpt illustrates her reflective and cautious nature regarding her financial choices. She is engaged in speculation and calculation, indicating that she is considering her options thoughtfully and is concerned about making regrettable decisions. This indicates a desire to use the money wisely rather than impulsively.