Question

what is the meaning of the word deckhand in the following excerpt from section 2? 2- i first wanted to be a cabin-boy, so that i could come out with a white apron on and shake a tablecloth over the side, where all my old comrades could see me; later i thought i would rather be the deckhand who stood on the end of the stage-plank with the coil of rope in his hand, because he was particularly conspicuous...
a tool used only on the main floor of the boat
a member of the ships crew who works on the main section of the boat
a guest on the boat

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "deckhand", we analyze the context. The excerpt describes a person on a boat with a rope, implying a crew role. The first option is incorrect as "deckhand" is a person, not a tool. The third option is wrong because a guest wouldn't work with a rope or be part of the crew actions. The second option matches: a deckhand is a crew member working on the boat's main section (deck).

Answer:

B. a member of the ship’s crew who works on the main section of the boat