Question

read the passage from initiation. millicent brushed back a strand of hair. it was stiff and sticky from the egg that they had broken on her head as she knelt blindfolded at the sorority altar a short while before. there had been a silence, a slight crunching sound, and then she had felt the cold, slimy egg - white flattening and spreading on her head and sliding down her neck. she had heard someone smothering a laugh. it was all part of the ceremony. what technique does the author use to describe millicent in this scene?

• indirect characterization to describe how millicent appears
• indirect characterization to describe what millicent is feeling physically
• direct characterization to describe how millicent appears
• direct characterization to describe how millicent is feeling emotionally

Explanation:

1. First, recall the difference between direct and indirect characterization: Direct characterization tells the reader about a character directly (e.g., "She was brave"), while indirect characterization shows the character through actions, thoughts, or physical sensations.
2. Analyze the passage: The author describes Millicent's physical sensations (stiff/sticky hair, cold/slimy egg - white on her head/neck) and her actions (brushing back hair) to show how she is feeling physically. This is indirect because it's showing, not telling directly.
3. Eliminate other options:

• Option 1: The passage is about physical feelings, not appearance.
• Option 3 and 4: The passage is not direct characterization (it doesn't directly state her traits or emotions) and it's about physical, not emotional, feelings.

Answer:

B. indirect characterization to describe what Millicent is feeling physically