Question

I haven’t had a seizure in seven years, but the doctors tell me that I am “susceptible to seizure activity.” Isn’t that one of the worst phrases you’ve ever heard? Susceptible to seizure activity. Doesn’t that just roll off the tongue like poetry? I also had a stutter and a lisp. Or maybe I should say I had a st-st-st-st-stutter and a lissssssssththththp.

Which character trait does the characterization from the passage above reveal about Arnold?
a. sensitive
b.self-deprecating
c. cynical
d.compliant

Answer 1

The answer would be C. While there is an argument to make for A, his attitude, especially revealed when he talks about stutters and lisps, reveals an extremely cynical attitude towards the world.

Answer 2

b.self-deprecating

Self-deprecating means to be critical of yourself. In this passage, Arnold is making fun of his physical disabilities and his speech impediments. He is criticizing himself. He does not show any emotions about his disabilities that would lead us to think he was sensitive. We also don't see him as being compliant. Compliant means to follow directions or obey. He is also not cynical.