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.%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A"Cannibalism in the Cars" by Mark Twain%0D%0A%0D%0AQuestion%0D%0AUse the passage to answer the question.%0D%0A%0D%0AHow does the author’s use of the multiple-meaning word mild affect the reader’s understanding of the gentleman?%0D%0A%0D%0A(1 point)%0D%0AResponses%0D%0A%0D%0AThe gentleman is noble and proper.%0D%0AThe gentleman is noble and proper.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe gentleman seems extreme and severe.%0D%0AThe gentleman seems extreme and severe.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe gentleman has a gentle and kind demeanor.%0D%0AThe gentleman has a gentle and kind demeanor.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe gentleman has a bland personality.%0D%0AThe gentleman has a bland personality.

Answer 1

The author’s use of the word "mild" affects the reader’s understanding of the gentleman by suggesting that he has a gentle and kind demeanor. The word "mild" conveys a sense of softness, gentleness, and an absence of harshness or aggression, aligning well with the description of the gentleman as “benevolent-looking.” Therefore, the best response is:

The gentleman has a gentle and kind demeanor.