Question

What effect does word choice have on the meaning of this excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly"? both Accused and Accusers being stripped (saving only to the Women their Shifts) were bound Hand and Foot, and severally placed in the Water, lengthways, from the Side of a Barge or Flat, having for Security only a Rope about the Middle of each, which was held by some in the Flat.

(a)-The phrase "only a Rope" highlights the lack of technology in Franklin's time.
(b)-The phrase "both Accused and Accusers being stripped" clarifies that the accused were unfairly treated.
(c)-The phrase "held by some" shows that the villagers cooperated together.
(d)-The phrase "bound Hand and Foot" emphasizes the seriousness of the danger.

Answer 1

The word choice in this excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly" has the effects of highlighting the lack of technology in Franklin's time, clarifying the unfair treatment of the accused, showing the villager's cooperation, and emphasizing the seriousness of the danger.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effect of word choice in this excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly" can be seen in the following ways:

1. The phrase "only a Rope" highlights the lack of technology in Franklin's time. By emphasizing that the accused and accusers were only secured by a simple rope, the passage suggests that there were no advanced methods or equipment available.
2. The phrase "both Accused and Accusers being stripped" clarifies that the accused were unfairly treated. This detail emphasizes the vulnerability of the accused and implies that they were subjected to a dehumanizing and unjust process.
3. The phrase "held by some" shows that the villagers cooperated. This phrase highlights the collective effort and cooperation of the villagers in carrying out the trial, indicating a shared responsibility or involvement in the proceedings.
4. The phrase "bound Hand and Foot" emphasizes the seriousness of the danger. This description underscores the severity of the situation and the high stakes faced by the accused and accusers during the trial.

Answer 2

(b) -The phrase "both Accused and Accusers being stripped" clarifies that the accused were unfairly treated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly" as the title suggests, focuses on the tormented state of the accused("bound head and foot"). Thus, the phrase that best delivers and compliments the meaning of the excerpt is option B as it clearly reflects the central idea of the excerpt that aims to focus on unfair treatment with accused while the other options fail to do so. It evidently displays the essence of the excerpt. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.