Question

4.4.3 test (cst): wrap-up: modernism and the american dream
james gatz—that was really, or at least legally, his name.
he had changed it at the age of seventeen and at the
specific moment that witnessed the beginning of his
career—when he saw dan cody’s yacht drop anchor over
the most insidious flat on lake superior. it was james
gatz who had been loafing along the beach that afternoon
in a torn green jersey and a pair of canvas pants, but it was
already jay gatsby who borrowed a rowboat, pulled out to
the tuolomee, and informed cody that a wind might catch
him and break him up in half an hour.
which themes does this passage best convey?
a. the american dream is about always remembering who you are;
ambition is a dangerous motivator.

b. good luck comes to those who are ready for it; ambitious people
will go to great lengths to gain status.

c. perception often falls short of reality; changing one’s identity can
be as simple as changing one’s name.

d. people should be themselves because the truth will reveal itself;
deception can have painful consequences.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option A: The passage shows James Gatz changing his name (moving away from "remembering who you are"), and ambition here is a driver for self - reinvention, not presented as dangerous. So A is incorrect.
• Analyze Option B: James Gatz is ready to act when he sees Dan Cody's yacht (showing he is ready for opportunity), and he changes his name (a step to gain status) as an ambitious person. This matches the passage's content.
• Analyze Option C: The passage is about self - reinvention for ambition and seizing opportunity, not about perception vs. reality. Changing the name is part of a larger pursuit of status, not just a simple identity change. So C is incorrect.
• Analyze Option D: The passage focuses on Gatz's ambition and seizing opportunity, not on being oneself or deception's consequences. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Good luck comes to those who are ready for it; ambitious people will go to great lengths to gain status.