Question

read the excerpt.
as the circumstances of his marriage illustrate his character, i cannot refrain from relating them.
one of his most intimate friends was a merchant who, from a flourishing state, fell through numerous mischances into poverty. this man, whose name was beaufort, was of a proud and unbending disposition and could not bear to live in poverty and oblivion in the same country where he had formerly been distinguished for his rank and magnificence. having paid his debts, therefore, in the most honourable manner, he retreated with his daughter to the town of lucerne, where he lived unknown and in wretchedness. my father loved beaufort with the truest friendship and was deeply grieved by his retreat in these unfortunate circumstances. he bitterly deplored the false pride which led his friend to a conduct so little worthy of the affection that united them.
based on specific details from the text, what can be inferred about victor’s father’s motivations for helping his friend beaufort?
a) he was motivated by the financial benefits of helping beaufort.
b) his actions were driven by a deep-seated loyalty for beaufort.
c) he acted out of a sense of duty to maintain his social status.
d) he was motivated by guilt, feeling responsible for beaufort’s ruin.

Explanation:

The text states "My father loved Beaufort with the truest friendship and was deeply grieved by his retreat in these unfortunate circumstances." This shows Victor’s father’s actions (helping Beaufort) were driven by a deep - seated loyalty (true friendship and grief over Beaufort's misfortune). The first option is incorrect as there's no mention of financial benefits. The third option is wrong as there's no indication of maintaining social status. The fourth option is incorrect as the text says Beaufort's ruin was due to his own false pride, not Victor’s father’s guilt.

Answer:

His actions were driven by a deep - seated loyalty for Beaufort.