Cannibalism in
the Cars
by Mark Twain
I visited St. Louis lately, and on my way
West, after changing cars at Terre Haute,
Indiana, a mild, benevolent-looking
gentleman of about forty-five, or maybe
fifty, came in at one of the way-stations
and sat down beside me. We talked
together pleasantly on various subjects for
an hour, perhaps, and I found him
exceedingly intelligent and entertaining.
Use the passage to answer the
question.
How does the author’s use of the
multiple-meaning word mild affect the
reader’s understanding of the
gentleman?
a. The gentleman is noble and
proper.
b. The gentleman has a gentle
and kind demeanor.
c. The gentleman seems
extreme and severe.
d. The gentleman has a bland
personality.
1 answer
b. The gentleman has a gentle and kind demeanor.