Question

When my sisters and I cared too much about our appearance, my mother would tell us how Trujillo's vanity knew no bounds. How in order to appear taller, his shoes were specially made abroad with built-in heels that added inches to his height. How plumes for his Napoleonic hats were purchased in Paris and shipped in vacuum-packed boxes to the Island. How his uniforms were trimmed with tassels and gold epaulettes and red sashes, pinned with his medals, crisscrossing his chest. How he costumed himself in dress uniforms and ceremonial hats and white gloves—all of this in a tropical country where men wore guayaberas in lieu of suit jackets, short-sleeved shirts worn untucked so the body could be ventilated. My mother could go on and on.

–“A Genetics of Justice,”
Julia Alvarez

Which statement correctly analyzes how the passages work together to develop a central idea?

Alvarez shows how Trujillo’s appearance was central to his power.
Alvarez shows how her mother loved Trujillo’s style and appearance.
Alvarez shows how Trujillo’s style of dress covered up the ugliness within.
Alvarez shows how Trujillo was always careful when selecting his clothing and accessories.

Answer 1

Alvarez shows how Trujillo's appearance was central to his power. Throughout the passage, Alvarez describes the various ways in which Trujillo went to great lengths to enhance his appearance, such as with specially-made shoes and imported plumes for his hats. Alvarez also notes how Trujillo's style of dress was in contrast to the traditional clothing worn in the tropical country where he was in power. By showing how much Trujillo valued his appearance, Alvarez suggests that it was an important aspect of how he maintained his power.