Question
1. Read the below section from “Tratitor!” and answer the question that follows.
Arnold enlisted the help of Joshua Hett Smith, an attorney in Haverstraw, New York. Late on the night of September 21, 1780, Smith and two men rowed to the Vulture, a British warship moored in the Hudson River. They brought Andre ashore. Under Andre’s blue cloak was the red uniform of the British Army.
For three hours, Arnold and Andre talked. When dawn neared, Andre could not row back safely to the Vulture without being seen. Instead he rode with Arnold to Smith’s house—clearly behind American lines.
Unexpectedly, cannonballs were fired at the Vulture. It was forced to sail away, leaving Andre behind on American soil. Andre then disguised himself in civilian clothes to journey south toward British-occupied territory. Writing a pass for Andre that referred to him as “John Anderson,” Arnold insisted that Andre carry written plans about West Point to Clinton. Then Arnold left Smith’s home. Washington was due at West Point in a few days.
At breakfast on Monday, September 25, Arnold learned with dismay about “John Anderson’s” capture. “He had a parcel of parcel of papers taken from under his stockings which I think of a very dangerous tendency,” Colonel John Jameson wrote Arnold. “The papers I have sent to General Washington.” And Washington on his way to West Point!
What do you infer about the characters of Andre and Smith?
Like Arnold, they are greedy and put their own interests before their country.
They did not want to cooperate with Arnold and disliked his plan.
They are very honest and patriotic.
Andre and Smith did not want to become rich.
Arnold enlisted the help of Joshua Hett Smith, an attorney in Haverstraw, New York. Late on the night of September 21, 1780, Smith and two men rowed to the Vulture, a British warship moored in the Hudson River. They brought Andre ashore. Under Andre’s blue cloak was the red uniform of the British Army.
For three hours, Arnold and Andre talked. When dawn neared, Andre could not row back safely to the Vulture without being seen. Instead he rode with Arnold to Smith’s house—clearly behind American lines.
Unexpectedly, cannonballs were fired at the Vulture. It was forced to sail away, leaving Andre behind on American soil. Andre then disguised himself in civilian clothes to journey south toward British-occupied territory. Writing a pass for Andre that referred to him as “John Anderson,” Arnold insisted that Andre carry written plans about West Point to Clinton. Then Arnold left Smith’s home. Washington was due at West Point in a few days.
At breakfast on Monday, September 25, Arnold learned with dismay about “John Anderson’s” capture. “He had a parcel of parcel of papers taken from under his stockings which I think of a very dangerous tendency,” Colonel John Jameson wrote Arnold. “The papers I have sent to General Washington.” And Washington on his way to West Point!
What do you infer about the characters of Andre and Smith?
Like Arnold, they are greedy and put their own interests before their country.
They did not want to cooperate with Arnold and disliked his plan.
They are very honest and patriotic.
Andre and Smith did not want to become rich.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Based on the context provided, the most accurate inference about the characters of Andre and Smith is: **They are very honest and patriotic.**
While Arnold is portrayed as a traitor who betrays his country for personal gain, both Andre and Smith assist him, suggesting a willingness to cooperate and work with Arnold's plans. However, the fact that Andre is caught and the mention of "dangerous papers" implies a level of naivety or misplaced trust, rather than outright greed. Smith helps Andre under suspicious circumstances, but there is no indication of him being motivated by greed; instead, he seems to be caught up in the unfolding events surrounding Arnold. Thus, they are not depicted as greedy or entirely self-serving.
While Arnold is portrayed as a traitor who betrays his country for personal gain, both Andre and Smith assist him, suggesting a willingness to cooperate and work with Arnold's plans. However, the fact that Andre is caught and the mention of "dangerous papers" implies a level of naivety or misplaced trust, rather than outright greed. Smith helps Andre under suspicious circumstances, but there is no indication of him being motivated by greed; instead, he seems to be caught up in the unfolding events surrounding Arnold. Thus, they are not depicted as greedy or entirely self-serving.