Question

which of lauras misquoted idioms from \daughter of invention\ is intended to mean that it makes no difference to her?

\green behind the ears,\
\when in rome, do unto the romans.\
\its half of one or two dozen of another.\
\...one of these days my ship would pass me by in the night!\

Explanation:

Analyze the question prompt

The question asks which of Laura's misquoted idioms from Julia Alvarez's short story "Daughter of Invention" is intended to mean "it makes no difference to her."

Evaluate the first option

The phrase "green behind the ears" is a mix of "greenhorn" or "wet behind the ears," which means being inexperienced or naive. It does not mean "it makes no difference."

Evaluate the second option

The phrase "When in Rome, do unto the Romans" is a mix of "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" and the Golden Rule ("Do unto others..."). This refers to adapting to local customs, not indifference.

Evaluate the third option

The phrase "It's half of one or two dozen of another" is a misquotation of the common idiom "six of one, half a dozen of the other." This idiom is used to express that two choices or situations are equivalent, meaning it makes no difference which one is chosen. This matches the target meaning.

Evaluate the fourth option

The phrase "...one of these days my ship would pass me by in the night!" combines "my ship will come in" and "ships that pass in the night." It refers to missed opportunities, not indifference.

Synthesize the final analysis

Using Literary Analysis, we identify that "It's half of one or two dozen of another" is Laura's humorous way of saying "six of one, half a dozen of the other," which directly conveys that two options are identical and thus it makes no difference to her.

Answer:

• (A) "green behind the ears,"
• (B) "When in Rome, do unto the Romans."</mcq-correct>
• (C) "It's half of one or two dozen of another." (Correct answer)

<mcq-option>(D) "...one of these days my ship would pass me by in the night!"