Question

1. part a: reread the conclusion of the story. how does the authors portrayal of the old man departing contribute to the meaning of the text? a. the ending shows how even sympathetic reactions are rooted in selfishness. b. people have the ability to shape their future, if theyre willing to do what it takes. c. although some people believe they can control their fate, it will go away and leave them alone. d. while people may believe they can outsmart death, it will always be one step ahead of them.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option in the context of a story's conclusion (likely a story involving fate/death, e.g., "The Masque of the Red Death" or similar). Option A focuses on selfishness in sympathy, which is less likely. Option B is about shaping future through effort, not matching a typical old - man - departure - related theme. Option C: If the old man represents fate, his departure shows that even if people think they control fate, fate (the old man) leaves them, aligning with the idea of fate's independence. Option D is about outsmarting death, but the question is about the old man's departure contributing to text meaning; "fate leaving" is more about fate's autonomy than death being ahead. So C is the best fit as it connects the old man's departure (fate leaving) to the idea that people who think they control fate are left alone when fate departs.

Answer:

C. Although some people believe they can control their fate, it will go away and leave them alone.