Question

read the excerpt from the land.

i looked down at mitchell and stopped, knowing that despite our understanding, he was itching for a fight with me. now, i dont know what possessed me in that moment to say the next thing i did. maybe i was feeling guilty that because i was my daddys son, i could ride ghost wind. maybe it was that, but it wasnt out of fear i said what i said. i no longer was afraid of mitchell. \you want to ride him?\ i asked.

mitchell took a step backward. it was obvious he hadnt expected me to say that. \you know i cant ride him,\ he said. \your white daddyd kill me.\

how do pauls and mitchells reactions in this excerpt compare?

both boys are surprised that paul gives ghost wind to mitchell.
both boys are worried that pauls father will catch them.
neither boy is ready to get into a fight over who rides ghost wind.
neither boy is ready to admit how much he wants to ride ghost wind.

Explanation:

Analyze Paul's reaction

Using the Characterization and Dialogue Analysis knowledge points, we examine Paul's internal thoughts and sudden offer. Paul realizes Mitchell is "itching for a fight" but feels a sudden impulse, perhaps driven by guilt over his racial privilege ("because I was my daddy's son, I could ride Ghost Wind"). To defuse the tension and show he is no longer afraid, Paul unexpectedly asks Mitchell, "You want to ride him?" This sudden offer surprises even Paul himself.

Analyze Mitchell's reaction

Using the Character Interaction knowledge point, we evaluate Mitchell's response to Paul's offer. Mitchell is completely caught off guard, taking "a step backward" because "he hadn't expected" Paul to make such an offer. Mitchell immediately declines due to the dangerous racial dynamics and consequences of the time, stating, "Your white daddy'd kill me."

Compare the reactions

Using the Characterization and Character Interaction knowledge points, we compare how both boys react to this moment. Paul's unexpected question catches Mitchell completely by surprise, and Paul's own internal monologue reveals that he surprised himself by saying it ("I don't know what possessed me"). Therefore, both characters experience surprise at Paul's sudden offer to let Mitchell ride Ghost Wind.

Answer:

• Both boys are surprised that Paul gives Ghost Wind to Mitchell. (Correct answer)
• Both boys are worried that Paul's father will catch them.
• Neither boy is ready to get into a fight over who rides Ghost Wind.
• Neither boy is ready to admit how much he wants to ride Ghost Wind.