Question

cobbler. truly, sir, all that i live by, is with the awl: i meddle with no tradesman’s matters, nor women’s matters, but withal. i am indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when they are in great danger, i recover them. as proper men as ever trod upon neat’s leather have gone upon my handiwork.
—the tragedy of julius caesar
william shakespeare
read the passage. what is the best summary of the text?
○ i live my life by the surgeon’s code.
○ i work with tools such as leather and awls.
○ i am as careful as a surgeon when i work.
○ i am a tradesman and do not bother others.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: The cobbler says he lives by the awl, not a surgeon’s code. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The cobbler uses an awl, but leather is the material, not a tool. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The cobbler compares himself to a surgeon in treating old shoes (being careful), which matches the text ("surgeon to old shoes; when they are in great danger, I recover them").
• Option 4: The cobbler says he meddles with no tradesman’s or women’s matters, but "I am a tradesman" is not the main point; the focus is on his careful work like a surgeon. Eliminate.

Answer:

C. I am as careful as a surgeon when I work.