Question

close read: analyze the text
identify the choice that best answers the question.

in act ii of a christmas carol: scrooge and marley, which of these statements from the ghost of
christmas present most likely means that scrooges actions can affect the outcome of events?

a. present. i would say that he gets the pleasure of his family. . . .

b. present. i see a vacant seat . . . in the poor chimney corner, and a crutch without an
owner. . . .

c. present. if these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die.

d. present. save your breath, mr. scrooge. you cant be seen or heard.

Explanation:

To determine which statement means Scrooge's actions can affect outcomes, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Talks about someone getting family pleasure, no link to Scrooge's actions affecting events.
• Option B: Describes a vacant seat and crutch, doesn't relate to Scrooge's influence on outcomes.
• Option C: States that if the shadows (representing Scrooge's current path) remain unaltered, a child will die. This implies Scrooge can change the future (outcome) by altering his actions.
• Option D: Says Scrooge can't be seen/heard, not about his actions affecting events.

Answer:

C. Present. If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die.