Question

select the correct answer.
read the excerpt from the passage.
(7) suddenly she whirled from the window and stood before the glass, her eyes were shining brilliantly, but her face had lost its colour within twenty seconds. rapidly she pulled down her hair and let it fall to its full length.
what does the author mean when he writes that dellas \face had lost its colour\?
a. dellas complexion is fair and exquisite.
b. della has realized what she must give up for jim.
c. dellas hair is her only element of beauty.
d. della has become sick with worry about jims gift.

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "face had lost its colour", we analyze each option:

• Option A: The excerpt focuses on Della's action related to Jim, not her complexion's fairness. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The context (pulling down hair) suggests she realizes she must sacrifice her hair (a precious asset) for Jim's gift, causing the color loss from realization. This fits.
• Option C: The excerpt doesn't state hair is her only beauty element. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The loss of color is from realization of sacrifice, not worry about Jim's gift. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. Della has realized what she must give up for Jim.