Question

close read: analyze the text
identify the choice that best answers the question.

in act i of a christmas carol: scrooge and marley, scrooge’s nephew calls scrooge “impossible” for behaving in a cold and unkind manner. bob cratchit replies, “oh, mind him not, sir. he’s getting on in years, and he’s alone. he’s noticed your visit. i’ll wager your visit has warmed him.” what does this comment most likely suggest about cratchit?

a. he fears scrooge and plans to find a new job.

b. he understands scrooge and feels sorry for him.

c. he cares for the elderly scrooge so he will inherit scrooge’s firm.

d. he defends scrooge’s behavior, hoping that scrooge will pay him more.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The text doesn't mention Cratchit fearing Scrooge or planning to find a new job. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Cratchit's comment about Scrooge being old and alone, and thinking the visit warmed him, shows he understands Scrooge's situation and feels sorry for his loneliness. This fits.
• Option C: There's no indication Cratchit cares for Scrooge to inherit the firm. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The comment isn't about defending to get more pay; it's about empathy for Scrooge's situation. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. He understands Scrooge and feels sorry for him.