Now, Mrs. Sparsit was not a poetical woman; but she took an idea in the nature of an allegorical fancy, into her head. Much watching of Louisa, and much consequent observation of her impenetrable demeanour, which keenly whetted and sharpened Mrs. Sparsit's edge, must have given her as it were a lift, in the way of inspiration. She erected in her mind a mighty Staircase, with a dark pit of shame and ruin at the bottom; and down those stairs, from day to day and hour to hour, she saw Louisa coming.

Question

(from Hard Times by Charles Dickens)

Based on the passage, which point is Mrs. Sparsit most likely trying to make with the staircase allegory?

1. that life is a constant upward struggle

2. that Louisa is headed for a life of tragedy

3. that Louisa's poetry is destined to fail

4. that movement up or down comes in small steps

Answer 1

Based on the passage, Mrs. Sparsit is most likely trying to make the point that Louisa is headed for a life of tragedy. The staircase symbolizes a descent into shame and ruin, suggesting that Mrs. Sparsit believes Louisa's current path will lead to negative outcomes. Therefore, the correct answer is:

2. that Louisa is headed for a life of tragedy.