Cathy Spagnoli
No one spoke. Even the bravest men and women were silent. Everyone had helped to make the mochi, but no one wanted to face that frightful yamanba.
Finally, a small woman stepped up. "I'm the oldest here," she said. "I've lived a good life, and I'm ready to die if I must. I will go and try."
Voices suddenly wrapped round her, thanking her again and again. Two young men who knew the mountain were chosen to guide her, and they all set off the next day. Higher and higher and higher they climbed. Soon, the wind howled and pushed against them.
"We can't take anymore," cried the two men as the wind bounced them around.
"Have courage!" the old woman shouted, clinging to a pine tree. But when the wind finally died down, the old woman couldn't find the men. They had run away.
"Yamanba of the Mountain" from Asian Tales and Tellers by Cathy Spagnoli © 1998 Cathy Spagnoli, published 1998 by August House, Inc.
Question
Use the story excerpt to answer the question.
Based on the sensory imagery in the excerpt, what is most likely true about the woman in this scene?
(1 point)
Responses
She is thankful the young men agreed to guide her way.
She is thankful the young men agreed to guide her way.
She is surprised the others are struggling so much.
She is surprised the others are struggling so much.
She is struggling more than the others, but she is too stubborn to admit it.
She is struggling more than the others, but she is too stubborn to admit it.
She is frightened like the others, but she is also determined.
1 answer
Based on the sensory imagery in the excerpt, the most likely true statement about the woman in this scene is:
She is frightened like the others, but she is also determined.
This conclusion comes from her bravery in stepping forward to confront the yamanba, as well as her encouraging words to the young men despite the challenging conditions. Her willingness to face danger, even at her age, reflects both fear and determination.
