Question

Read the excerpt from Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy.

[Mr. Stonecrop] draped his arm around Turner's shoulders and drew him in, into his strength and power and presence. Turner felt as if he were moving in close to a mountain. But when he looked up into Mr. Stonecrop's face, he shuddered. Mr. Stonecrop was laughing, and his mouth was pulled into a grin, but his eyes were as dead as marbles, almost as if there were nothing behind them. He was like someone out of a ghost story, and Turner tried to draw away.

In this excerpt, Mr. Stonecrop is compared to a mountain. How does this description relate to Mr Stonecrop’s role in the main conflict of the story?

Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, is a fair and wise man whom others look up to for leadership about Malaga Island.
Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, is intimidating and strongly holds his position against the people of Malaga Island.
Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, changes with the seasons, and he changes his mind about the people of Malaga Island.
Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, is an elderly man who lets others decide what is best in reference to Malaga Island.

Answer 1

Answer: Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, is intimidating and strongly holds his position against the people of Malaga Island.

Explanation: The mountain image emphasizes immovability, size, and force — he draws Turner into his "strength and power and presence" and feels overwhelming. The description of his dead, marble-like eyes and Turner's shudder show coldness and menace, not wisdom or kindly leadership. That fits Stonecrop’s role as a powerful, unyielding figure on the side of the community and authorities who oppose and pressure the Malaga Island residents.