Night settled over the hills, but it brought no rest or comfort to those huddled in the covered wagon; although a pale yellow moon was rising against the darkening sky, they knew this would be no peaceful evening. Edward had secured the oxen as well as he could and double-checked the lacing of the wagon's canvas cover, trying to keep his back to the rising wind as he worked, his movements practiced and sure. Finally, satisfied that he had done all that he could to prepare for the night, he climbed back into the wagon.

Question

He and his wife and children moved close to one another, trying to ignore the gathering storm; soon enough, they knew, dark clouds would blot out the pale glow from the moon that provided their only light. A rumble of thunder shook the wagon and the family moved still closer together, forming a tight knot in the wagon's middle as Edward began to recount a merry story from his youth. Soon the story almost closed out the sound of the storm and the rocking of the wagon in the wind. Like so many other evenings on their long journey, his voice was the last thing the children heard as they drifted off to sleep.

Which sentence best describes the impact of the setting on Edward?

1. The impending storm serves to reveal Edward's dependable nature.

2. The remote location provides an internal conflict that Edward must resolve.

3. The dangerous circumstances help Edward to recognize the necessity of courage in difficult times.

4. The coming of nightfall forces Edward to be calmer than he usually would be in a difficult situation.

Answer 1

The sentence that best describes the impact of the setting on Edward is:

1. The impending storm serves to reveal Edward's dependable nature.

This option highlights how Edward's actions—securing the oxen and double-checking the wagon—demonstrate his reliability and preparedness in facing the looming challenge of the storm.