Reread paragraphs 42 and 43 of the story. Then answer the multiple-choice questions that follow.

Question

42 “Damn, Maybelle”—and suddenly he sobbed, loudly and painfully, and cried helplessly and hopelessly in the dark night. I had never heard a man cry before. I did not know men ever cried. I covered my ears with my hands but could not cut off the sound of my father’s harsh, painful, despairing sobs. My father was a strong man who could whisk a child upon his shoulders and go singing through the house. My father whittled toys for us, and laughed so loud that the great oak seemed to laugh with him, and taught us how to fish and hunt rabbits. How could it be that my father was crying? But the sobs went on, unstifled, finally quieting until I could hear my mother’s voice, deep and rich, humming softly as she used to hum to a frightened child.

43 The world had lost its boundary lines. My mother, who was small and soft, was now the strength of the family; my father, who was the rock on which the family had been built, was sobbing like the tiniest child. Everything was suddenly out of tune, like a broken accordion. Where did I fit into this crazy picture? I do not now remember my thoughts, only a feeling of great bewilderment and fear.
Which textual evidence would best support a reader’s claim that the conversation between Lizabeth’s parents disrupts her perception of their respective roles in the family?
Answer choices for the above question

A. I had never heard a man cry before.

B. My father was a strong man who could whisk a child upon his shoulders and go singing through the house.

C. But the sobs went on, unstifled, finally quieting until I could hear my mother’s voice, deep and rich, humming softly as she used to hum to a frightened child.

D. My mother, who was small and soft, was now the strength of the family; my father, who was the rock on which the family had been built, was sobbing like the tiniest child.
Which textual evidence would best support a reader’s claim that the conversation between Lizabeth’s parents disrupts her sense of belonging?
Answer choices for the above question

A. I did not know men ever cried.

B. I covered my ears with my hands but could not cut off the sound of my father’s harsh, painful, despairing sobs.

C. Everything was suddenly out of tune, like a broken accordion. Where did I fit into this crazy picture?

D. I do not now remember my thoughts, only a feeling of great bewilderment and fear.

Answer 1

For the first question regarding the textual evidence that best supports a reader’s claim that the conversation between Lizabeth's parents disrupts her perception of their respective roles in the family, the best choice is:

D. My mother, who was small and soft, was now the strength of the family; my father, who was the rock on which the family had been built, was sobbing like the tiniest child.

This statement directly addresses the reversal of roles between Lizabeth's parents, highlighting how her mother's strength contrasts with her father's vulnerability, thus disrupting Lizabeth's understanding of their roles.

For the second question regarding the textual evidence that best supports a reader’s claim that the conversation between Lizabeth's parents disrupts her sense of belonging, the best choice is:

C. Everything was suddenly out of tune, like a broken accordion. Where did I fit into this crazy picture?

This statement expresses Lizabeth's feelings of disorientation and confusion about her place in the family dynamics, as well as a sense of alienation caused by the emotional upheaval.