Returning Home

Question

by Anthony Trollope

And then their preparations for the journey went on with much flurrying and hot haste. To us at home, who live and feel our life every day, the manufacture of endless baby-linen and the packing of mountains of clothes does not give an idea of much pleasurable excitement; but at San José, where there was scarcely motion enough in existence to prevent its waters from becoming foul with stagnation, this packing of baby-linen was delightful, and for a month or so the days went by with happy wings.

But by degrees reports began to reach both Arkwright and his wife as to this new route, which made them uneasy. The wet season had been prolonged, and even though they might not be deluged by rain themselves, the path would be in such a state of mud as to render the labour incessant. One or two people declared that the road was unfit at anytime for a woman,—and then the river would be much swollen. These tidings did not reach Arkwright and his wife together, or at any rate not till late amidst their preparations, or a change might still have been made. As it was, after all her entreaties, Mrs. Arkwright did not like to ask him again to alter his plans; and he, having altered them once, was averse to change them again. So things went on till the mules and the boats had been hired, and things had gone so far that no change could then be made without much cost and trouble.

During the last ten days of their sojourn at San José, Mrs. Arkwright had lost all that appearance of joy which had cheered up her sweet face during the last few months. Terror at that terrible journey obliterated in her mind all the happiness which had arisen from the hope of being soon at home. She was thoroughly cowed by the danger to be encountered, and would gladly have gone down to Punt’ Arenas, had it been now possible that she could so arrange it. It rained, and rained, and still rained, when there was now only a week from the time they started. Oh! if they could only wait for another month! But this she said to no one. After what had passed between her and her husband, she had not the heart to say such words to him. Arkwright himself was a man not given to much talking, a silent thoughtful man, stern withal in his outward bearing, but tender-hearted and loving in his nature. The sweet young wife who had left all, and come with him out to that dull distant place, was very dear to him,—dearer than she herself was aware, and in these day she was thinking much of her coming troubles. Why had he given way to her foolish prayers? Ah, why indeed? And thus the last few days of their sojourn in San José passed away from them. Once or twice during these days she did speak out, expressing her fears. Her feelings were too much for her, and she could not restrain herself. “Poor mamma,” she said, “I shall never see her!” And then again, “Harry, I know I shall never reach home alive.”

"Returning Home" by Anthony Trollope

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

What does this passage reveal about English people living in colonial outposts in the 1800s?

(1 point)
Responses

For English men, the outposts represented ways to make good money and unhappy marriages.
For English men, the outposts represented ways to make good money and unhappy marriages.

Travel to and from the outposts was difficult and dangerous, yet life at the outposts was boring.
Travel to and from the outposts was difficult and dangerous, yet life at the outposts was boring.

Very few people lived at the outposts because traveling to them was so difficult.
Very few people lived at the outposts because traveling to them was so difficult.

The outposts were not suitable places for a proper English woman.

Answer 1

The correct response to the question based on the passage is:

Travel to and from the outposts was difficult and dangerous, yet life at the outposts was boring.

The passage describes the challenges faced by Mr. and Mrs. Arkwright in preparing for their journey home, highlighting the danger and difficulty associated with travel during the wet season. It also contrasts their time spent in San José, which is portrayed as stagnant and dull, suggesting that while they were excited initially, the monotony of life in the outpost became apparent, leading to Mrs. Arkwright's feelings of fear and despair about their journey.