Question

which example from \a visit of charity\ speeds up the pacing of the story and makes the reader feel as if the action is happening quickly?

a. one old woman was pulling the door open in short, gradual jerks, and when she saw the nurse a strange smile forced her old face dangerously awry.

b. as she walked vaguely up the steps she shifted the small pot from hand to hand; then she had to set it down and remove her mittens before she could open the heavy door.

c. she stopped for a moment beside one of the prickly dark shrubs with which the city had beautified the home, and then proceeded slowly toward the building, which was of whitewashed brick and reflected the winter sunlight like a block of ice.

d. marian jumped up and moved toward the door. for the second time, the claw almost touched her hair, but it was not quick enough. the little girl put her cap on.

Explanation:

• Option A: Describes a slow, deliberate action (pulling the door open in short, gradual jerks), which does not speed up the pacing.
• Option B: Details a series of slow, methodical actions (shifting the pot, setting it down, removing mittens), which slows the pacing.
• Option C: Mentions stopping for a moment and proceeding slowly, which slows the pacing.
• Option D: Uses words like "jumped up" and "moved toward" which imply quick action. The description of the claw almost touching her hair but not being quick enough also adds a sense of urgency.

Answer:

D. Marian jumped up and moved toward the door. For the second time, the claw almost touched her hair, but it was not quick enough. The little girl put her cap on.