Question

close read: analyze the text
identify the choice that best answers the question.
the following question has two parts. answer part a first, and then part b.

part a
read the following excerpt from act ii of a christmas carol: scrooge and marley.

scrooge. a merrier christmas, bob, my good fellow! than i have given
you for many a year. ill raise your salary and endeavor to assist your
struggling family. . . . make up the fires and buy another coal scuttle
before you dot another i, bob. . . . we need warmth and cheer, bob
cratchit!

which of the following best describes how bob cratchit feels when scrooge says these things?
a. cratchit is bitter and resentful.

b. cratchit is puzzled and confused.

c. cratchit is delighted but shocked.

d. cratchit is frightened but relieved.

question 12 of 12

Explanation:

To determine Bob Cratchit's feelings, we analyze the context: Scrooge, previously miserly, announces a salary raise and assistance for Cratchit's family. Option A is incorrect as "bitter and resentful" contradicts Scrooge's kind actions. Option D's "frightened" is unfounded since Scrooge is being kind. Option C's "delighted but shocked" fits: Scrooge’s sudden generosity (a shock) would make Cratchit happy (delighted). Option B's "puzzled and confused" is less accurate than the mix of delight and shock from unexpected kindness.

Answer:

C. Cratchit is delighted but shocked.