Question

12th grade post - assessment
the bayou flows as calmly, as darkly, as full of hidden passions as ever. on a night years after, the moon is shining upon it with a silvery tenderness that seemed brighter, more caressingly lingering than anywhere within the old city. behind, there rise the spires and towers; before, only the reeds, green now, and soft in their rustlings and whisperings for the future. false reeds — they tell themselves of their happiness to be, and it all ends in dry stalks and drizzling skies. the mocking - bird in the fragrant orange grove sends out his night song, and blends it with the crickets chirp, as the blossoms of orange and magnolia mingle their perfume with the earthy smell of a summer rain just blown over. perfect in its stillness, absolute in its beauty, tenderly healing in its suggestion of peace, the night in its clear - lighted, cloudless sweetness enfolds athanasia, as she stands alone on the levee and gazes down at the old log, now almost hidden in the luxuriant grass.
\it was his honesty that spoiled our dream that day, was it not?\
but the bayou st. john does not answer. it merely gathers into its silent bosom another broken - hearted romance, and flows ambivalently on its way.
assessment questions
question 11
how is the description of the bayou in paragraphs 11 - 13 important to the resolution of the text?
a. the beauty of the bayou contrasts with athanasia’s anger.
b. the beauty of the bayou contrasts with athanasia’s disillusionment.
c. the peacefulness of the bayou reflects athanasia’s feeling of hope.
d. the peacefulness of the bayou reflects athanasia’s happiness.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the text and options:

• The bayou is described as peaceful, beautiful, and healing. Athanasia has a broken - hearted romance (implies disillusionment). Option A: No mention of anger. Option C: The text shows a broken romance, not hope. Option D: Her situation is not happy. Option B: The bayou's beauty (peaceful, perfect) contrasts with her disillusionment from the failed dream.

Answer:

B. The beauty of the bayou contrasts with Athanasia’s disillusionment.