Question

his father looked hostile, and clenched his fists as if wanting to knock gregor back into his room. then he looked uncertainly round the living room, covered his eyes with his hands and wept so that his powerful chest shook.

-david wyllie, trans., the metamorphosis

which word could replace the underlined word without changing the overall meaning of the sentence?

a. simple
b. relaxed
c. furious
d. boring

Explanation:

Analyze the context of the underlined word

The underlined word is "hostile" in the sentence: "His father looked hostile, and clenched his fists as if wanting to knock Gregor back into his room."

Evaluate the meaning of "hostile"

"Hostile" means showing or feeling opposition, dislike, or unfriendliness. The physical action of clenching fists and wanting to knock someone back indicates anger, aggression, and enmity.

Compare the multiple-choice options

• (A) "simple" does not convey aggression or anger.
• (B) "relaxed" is the opposite of clenching fists and looking hostile.
• (C) "furious" means extremely angry, which fits the aggressive context of clenching fists.
• (D) "boring" does not match the intense emotional state described.

Answer:

• (A) simple
• (B) relaxed
• (C) furious (Correct answer)
• (D) boring