Which best describes the narrator’s tone in the following sentences? “Who told him we were up the Stewart? We could have gone a thousand other places. How did he know?” from the passage the spot a. Pleased b. Astonished c. Irate d. Relieved
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: b. Astonished
Explanation:
The narrator’s tone in the sentences—“Who told him we were up the Stewart? We could have gone a thousand other places. How did he know?”—can best be described as astonished. This tone is conveyed through the narrator’s series of rapid, rhetorical questions, which express disbelief and surprise at someone having known their exact location.
Firstly, the repetition of questions reveals the narrator’s confusion and shock. The use of phrases like “Who told him” and “How did he know?” shows that the narrator cannot comprehend how someone was able to find them. These are not calm inquiries but rather urgent expressions of bafflement. The exclamation points further emphasize the heightened emotional state and the sense of wonder.
Secondly, the statement “We could have gone a thousand other places” underscores the improbability of their being found at this particular location. This suggests that the narrator views the odds of being discovered there as extremely low, thus amplifying their astonishment. It indicates that the person who found them had an unlikely insight or uncanny awareness.
Although there may be a trace of frustration or anxiety in the tone, the dominant feeling expressed is one of surprise and disbelief. The narrator is not expressing pleasure, which rules out option a (pleased). The tone is not aggressive or angry enough to be c (irate), and there is no sign of comfort or reassurance to suggest d (relieved). Instead, the narrator is clearly shocked that such an unexpected event—being found at a highly improbable location—has occurred. This aligns most closely with the tone of astonishment, making b the most accurate choice.
