Question

analyzing a memoir
pre - test complete
1 2 3
read the excerpt from chapter 2 of night.
we tried to reason with her, more to calm ourselves, to catch our breath, than to soothe her.
\she is hallucinating because she is thirsty, poor woman... thats why she speaks of flames devouring her...\
but it was all in vain. our terror could no longer be contained. our nerves had reached a breaking point. our very skin was aching. it was as though madness had infected all of us. we gave up. a few young men forced her to sit down, then bound and gagged her.
what quotation indicates that the authors purpose is to justify actions in an intolerable situation?
○ \we tried to reason with her, more to calm ourselves, to catch our breath, than to soothe her.\
○ \but it was all in vain.\
○ \it was as though madness had infected all of us.\
○ \a few young men forced her to sit down, then bound and gagged her.\

Explanation:

The question asks for a quotation that shows the author's purpose of justifying actions in an intolerable situation. The first option shows an attempt to rationalize (reasoning) their actions (calming themselves) in a difficult situation. The second option just states failure. The third option describes a state (madness infection) but not justification. The fourth option is an action description without the element of justification like the first option.

Answer:

"A. 'We tried to reason with her, more to calm ourselves, to catch our breath, than to soothe her.'"