Question

which excerpt from the land, part 4 best supports the claim that paul wants to be an independent person?

my daddy gave a nod, as if he were considering the matter. \all right, paul,\ he said. \ill keep an eye on mitchell, and ill let you know.\

o,\ i said.
o, i wont be here, not here on my daddys land. one day ill have land of my own. ive got to have something all my own.\

mitchell didnt say anything, and we sat there in silence looking out over my daddys land together. after a while i said, \one day ill have a place like this.\

i figured, though, my daddy would need one more hand, and i asked him if mitchell could go with us. \hes right good with horses now,\ i said.

Explanation:

Analyze the prompt's core claim

The question asks which excerpt best supports the claim that Paul wants to be an independent person. Independence means self-reliance, not relying on others (like his father), and having personal autonomy.

Evaluate the first option

The first option shows Paul's father making a decision and offering to keep an eye on Mitchell. This highlights the father's authority and support, rather than Paul's personal independence.

Evaluate the second option

In the second option, Paul states, "No, I won't be here, not here on my daddy's land. One day I'll have land of my own. I've got to have something all my own." This directly expresses a desire to leave his father's domain, acquire his own property, and establish his self-reliance. This strongly supports the claim of wanting to be independent.

Evaluate the third option

The third option describes Paul and Mitchell sitting in silence and Paul saying, "One day I'll have a place like this." While this shows ambition, it is less explicit about breaking away from his father's authority compared to the second option.

Evaluate the fourth option

The fourth option shows Paul asking his father for a favor regarding Mitchell. Asking a parent for permission or assistance demonstrates dependence rather than independence.

Answer:

• My daddy gave a nod, as if he were considering the matter. "All right, Paul," he said. "I'll keep an eye on Mitchell, and I'll let you know."
• "No," I said. "No, I won't be here, not here on my daddy's land. One day I'll have land of my own. I've got to have something all my own." (Correct answer)
• Mitchell didn't say anything, and we sat there in silence looking out over my daddy's land together. After a while I said, "One day I'll have a place like this."
• I figured, though, my daddy would need one more hand, and I asked him if Mitchell could go with us. "He's right good with horses now," I said.