Question

read this excerpt from \look homeward, angel.\

they laughed at his wild excess of speech, of feeling, and of gesture. they were silent before the maniac fury of his sprees, which occurred almost punctually every two months, and lasted two or three days. they picked him foul and witless from the cobbles, and brought him home.... and always they handled him with tender care, feeling something strange and proud and glorious lost in him.... he was a stranger to them: no one-not even eliza-ever called him by his first name. he was-and remained thereafter-\mister\ gant....

based on this excerpt, what can be inferred about olivers neighbors?

they spread gossip about his unusual conduct.
they consider him a talented man and good friend.
they think he is a bit peculiar, yet they revere him.
they worry about his excessive behaviors.

Explanation:

Analyze neighbor reactions to Oliver's behavior

The text states they laughed at his "wild excess" and stood silent before his "maniac fury," showing they find him highly unusual or peculiar.

Evaluate neighbor actions and underlying attitudes

Despite his wild behavior, they handle him with "tender care," sensing something "proud and glorious lost in [him]," and maintain respect by always addressing him formally as "Mister" Gant.

Match findings to the options

The combination of finding him strange ("peculiar") yet treating him with tender care, awe, and formal respect ("revere") directly matches the third option.

Answer:

• They spread gossip about his unusual conduct.
• They consider him a talented man and good friend.
• They think he is a bit peculiar, yet they revere him. (Correct answer)
• They worry about his excessive behaviors.