The Reward of Enterprise

by Ward Muir

I’m a novelist, as you know, but if I hadn’t had to take to writing I’d have been a rolling stone by profession and by inclination. In my more philosophic moods I perceive that, really, it was sheer luck ... this occurrence about which you’ve asked me to tell you. I should never have made a success of any other trade but authorship. I’d have starved; instead I’m rather well off, as things go. But still——

You understand I was by way of being a bit venturesome, as a young man. I did a certain amount of journalism, from time to time, but my secret hopes were set on all that is implied in that specious phrase, “seeing the world.” I wanted to see the world.

Keeping this object in view I shipped on a tramp steamer, with whose captain I had struck up an acquaintanceship. Nominally I was the purser, actually I was the Captain’s guest. Cargo boats such as the S.S. Peterhof do not employ a purser.

"The Reward of Enterprise" by Ward Muir

Question
Use the passage below to answer the question.

Which inferences about Harborough are best supported by the details in the passage? Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

He is an older man talking about an important experience in his youth.
He is an older man talking about an important experience in his youth.

He boarded the Peterhof because he wanted to see new places and have adventures.
He boarded the Peterhof because he wanted to see new places and have adventures.

He occasionally worked as a journalist when he was young.
He occasionally worked as a journalist when he was young.

He makes his living as a novelist.
He makes his living as a novelist.

He sailed on the Peterhof as the Captain’s guest.
He sailed on the Peterhof as the Captain’s guest.

1 answer

The two correct answers that are best supported by the details in the passage are:

  1. He boarded the Peterhof because he wanted to see new places and have adventures.
  2. He makes his living as a novelist.

These inferences align with the details provided, as the narrator expresses a desire to "see the world" and mentions that he is now a successful novelist, which indicates he makes his living through writing.