Question

Bev was coming toward them, then, her red mouth set in a bright, calculating smile. She ignored Millicent and sailed up to Herb.

"Why waste your time with gophers?" she caroled gaily. "Their tongues are tied, but completely."

Herb managed a parting shot. "But that one keeps such an attractive silence."

—"Initiation,"
Sylvia Plath

Based on the passage, what inferences can be made about the characters? Check all that apply.

Bev is attracted to Herb.
Bev is a jealous person who dislikes female competition.
Millicent looks like a gopher.
Herb thinks that Millicent is attractive.
Herb prefers women who are shy.

Answer 1

Correct choices: Bev is attracted to Herb; Bev is a jealous person who dislikes female competition; Herb thinks that Millicent is attractive; Herb prefers women who are shy.

Brief justifications:
- Bev is attracted to Herb: she sails up to him with a "bright, calculating smile" and directs her remarks to him—behavior consistent with trying to charm him.
- Bev is jealous/dislikes female competition: she ignores Millicent and dismissively calls them "gophers," suggesting hostility toward other women around Herb.
- Millicent looks like a gopher: not supported. "Gophers" is an insult/metaphor, not a literal description of Millicent's appearance.
- Herb thinks Millicent is attractive: he calls her silence "attractive," indicating he finds her appealing.
- Herb prefers women who are shy: calling her silence attractive implies a preference for women who are quiet or reserved.