Read the passage from “Three Legs, Thirty Dollars.”

Question

"I had to, Tyrone," he explained, miserably, his wrinkled face looking older somehow. His dark brown eyes were sad, as he said, "I got a better offer, like I told you I might.”

Given what happens in the story, what can you infer about Mr. Reynolds in this scene?

Three Legs, Thirty Dollars

Responses

Mr. Reynolds is only pretending to be sad, because he knows he sold the turtle to Tyrone’s mother.
Mr. Reynolds is only pretending to be sad, because he knows he sold the turtle to Tyrone’s mother.

Mr. Reynolds did not want to sell Tyrone the turtle, because he doesn’t think Tyrone can take care of it.
Mr. Reynolds did not want to sell Tyrone the turtle, because he doesn’t think Tyrone can take care of it.

Mr. Reynolds did not really want to sell Lawrence, but had to because of the money offered.
Mr. Reynolds did not really want to sell Lawrence, but had to because of the money offered.

Mr. Reynolds is genuinely sad because someone besides Tyrone bought the turtle.

Answer 1

Based on the passage provided, the most accurate inference about Mr. Reynolds is:

Mr. Reynolds did not really want to sell Lawrence, but had to because of the money offered.

This inference is supported by Mr. Reynolds’ miserable expression and the way his dark brown eyes are described as sad, indicating that he is upset about the decision he had to make, despite having received a better offer.