Question

read the excerpt from eighty years and more: reminiscences, 1815-1897.

\my father,\ i replied, \prefers boys; he wishes i was one, and i intend to be as near like one as possible. i am going to ride on horseback and study greek. will you give me a greek lesson now, doctor? i want to begin at once.\

\yes, child,\ said he, throwing down his hoe, \come into my library and we will begin without delay.\

which best explains rev. simon hosacks reaction to stantons feelings about behaving like a boy?

he understands stantons frustration with her own capabilities, but he still believes she can succeed.
he knows that stanton will be willing to help with the work in his garden in exchange for her lessons.
he knows that stanton is a fast learner, and he wants to help her reach her goals as quickly as possible.
he understands stantons frustration about societys unequal treatment of women and girls.

Explanation:

Analyze Stanton's stated feelings and goals

In the excerpt, Stanton expresses her frustration that her father "prefers boys" and wishes she were one. To prove herself and be "as near like one as possible," she declares her intention to ride horseback and study Greek, immediately asking the doctor (Rev. Simon Hosack) for a Greek lesson: "Will you give me a Greek lesson now, doctor? I want to begin at once."

Analyze Rev. Simon Hosack's reaction

Using the Character Interaction and Character Motivation Analysis concepts, we look at how the reverend responds to her request. He says, "Yes, child," throws down his hoe, and invites her into his library to "begin without delay."

Evaluate the options based on textual evidence

Using Reading Comprehension, we evaluate each choice:

• Option 1: "He understands Stanton's frustration with her own capabilities, but he still believes she can succeed." This is incorrect because Stanton is not frustrated with her own capabilities; she is frustrated by her father's preference for boys.
• Option 2: "He knows that Stanton will be willing to help with the work in his garden in exchange for her lessons." This is incorrect because he throws down his hoe (stopping his own work) to teach her immediately, with no mention of garden work.
• Option 3: "He knows that Stanton is a fast learner, and he wants to help her reach her goals as quickly as possible." This is the best explanation. By immediately dropping his work ("throwing down his hoe") and starting "without delay," he shows supportive encouragement for her ambitious goals.
• Option 4: "He understands Stanton's frustration about society's unequal treatment of women and girls." This is incorrect because the text focuses specifically on her father's preference rather than a broader discussion of societal inequality at this moment.

Answer:

• He understands Stanton's frustration with her own capabilities, but he still believes she can succeed.
• He knows that Stanton will be willing to help with the work in his garden in exchange for her lessons.
• He knows that Stanton is a fast learner, and he wants to help her reach her goals as quickly as possible. (Correct answer)
• He understands Stanton's frustration about society's unequal treatment of women and girls.