Question

the power of things
it has been stated that a persons success can be measured by the objects he or she possess, the more that people possess, the more successful they are. this is what i was coerced into believing when i was a guileless fourteen - year - old. my acquaintances insisted that they would one day be the proud owners of the best cars, the largest homes, and the most fashionable clothing available. theyd pontificate about their dreams as though there were nothing else to think about day after day. i responded as though i were in agreement with them, but my internal sense was that there was no way all these things would positively affect my future. in fact, i was rather frightened by the idea that things could be so powerful. little did i know how right i was.
during the summer of 2001, i vacationed at my aunt susan and uncle angelos house in ventura, california. they lived only ten minutes from the pacific ocean, which was very different from the mojave desert where i lived. the oceans dynamic strength and beauty enticed me to walk to its shore every day, whether there was sunshine or not. i loved spending my time in a place where objects were not the key to happiness and enjoyment. it didnt matter if i were dressed in the latest fashions. it didnt matter if i drove to the ocean in the hottest vehicle in town.
aunt susan and uncle angelo lived in a modest home. it only had two bedrooms, one bathroom, a small kitchen, and a living room. there was nothing special about their dwelling, but i loved it. maybe it was because they were able to live here without feeling unsuccessful or inadequate. the comfort of their home added to my desire to live in a place where objects were
how does the author develop the character of uncle angelo over the course of the story?
a by having him make a cheap purchase and then turn a huge profit on the coffee table
b by having him go from being apologetic about his actions to deciding he was in the right in the first place
c by having him go from being stubborn to deciding he will compromise with his wife
d by having him brag about his job as a car mechanic at the local quicky lube oil - change shop

Explanation:

The passage describes Uncle Angelo and Aunt Susan's simple life, emphasizing that material possessions (like fancy "things") aren't key to happiness. The author shows Uncle Angelo's character through their modest home (only two bedrooms, a small kitchen, etc.) which contrasts with the idea that success is measured by objects. This development of his character is done by highlighting his non - materialistic lifestyle (living in a modest home without special things about their dwelling) rather than through actions like bragging (option D), changing from stubborn to compromising (option C), or being apologetic (option B).

Answer:

A. by having him make a cheap purchase and then turn a huge profit on the coffee table