Question

How does the author show the emergence of the text's theme: being alone in an unfamiliar setting can bring feelings of sadness and isolation?

A.
The author uses the line "The postmaster's salary was small" to contrast the poverty of the postmaster to the wealth of the villagers.

B.
The author uses the line "Oh, if only some kindred soul were near-" to illustrate his regret of having no one to share his deepest feelings.

C.
The author uses the line "He felt like a fish out of water in this remote village." to reveal that the postmaster feels out of place and has trouble connecting with the villagers.

D.
The author uses the line "The men employed in the indigo factory had no leisure; moreover, they were hardly desirable companions," to suggest the postmaster was too occupied with work to befriend the workers.

Answer 1

The best choice that illustrates the theme of feeling alone in an unfamiliar setting, which brings feelings of sadness and isolation, is:

**C. The author uses the line "He felt like a fish out of water in this remote village." to reveal that the postmaster feels out of place and has trouble connecting with the villagers.**

This line directly captures the essence of isolation and the struggle to find a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar environment, effectively conveying the theme of sadness that accompanies this loneliness.