June 22 Passage A

In the first paragraph, Miss Conway’s choice of

clothing is intended to convey her

• glamour

• sorrow

• modesty

• aloofness

Answer explanation

Miss Conway is wearing a lot of black - often indicates a funeral.

An expression of sadness.

In lines 18 and 19, Mr. Donovan presents

himself as

• concerned for Miss Conway

• insincere in his intention

• overwhelmed by the Count’s death

• apologetic about his behavior

Answer explanation

"I'd be sorry..." is his fumbling reaction to Miss Conway's recent loss. (#4 - apologetic)

Mr. Donovan is genuinely sympathetic towards Miss Conway - more so than most people. This leads us to his being concerned for her.

Miss Conway most likely relates the anecdote about Count Fernando Mazzini (lines 29 through 36) in order to

• seek compassion from Mr. Donovan

• contradict boarding house rumors

• flaunt her recent inheritance

• obtain advice from Mr. Donovan

The quote “The sympathetic but cheerful friend was the role he essayed” (lines 49 and 50) suggests that Mr. Donovan

• was not interested in romance

• was once a professional actor

• had no need to hide his feelings

• had a motive for kind behavior

Answer explanation

"...was the role..." indicates he is acting or pretending for some reason - which means there may be a reason (motive) for his kindness.

As used in line 52, the word “diminution” most nearly means

• acceptance

• appearance

• reduction

• explanation

Answer explanation

...yet there was diminution of the sadness...

The sadness was still there - the word "yet" helps with this.

Miss Conway’s response to Mr. Donovan’s “look of abstracted gloom” (line 62) is one of

• tender persistence

• impatient disapproval

• controlled hostility

• superficial interest

The hyperbole in lines 80 and 81 highlights Mr. Donovan’s

• selfless intention

• distrust of Big Mike

• violent nature

• respect for Big Mike

Which statement foreshadows a revelation at the end of the text?

• “I hope you haven’t sustained a loss?” (line 14)

• “We were going to be married next spring”

  (lines 29 and 30)

• “Mr. Donovan gazed long and with much interest at the photograph in the locket that Miss Conway opened for him” (lines 40 and 41)

• “A subtle task confronted Mr. Donovan,— that of supplanting the unfortunate Count in the heart of Miss Conway” (lines 47 and 48)

The text is developed primarily through the use of

• symbolism

• repetition

• action

• dialogue

A central idea of the text is that

• people can benefit from the misfortune of others

• people can find happiness by admitting the truth

• friends can encourage each other’s success

• strangers can complicate people’s lives