Question

Use the text below to answer the question.

How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavored to form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful!--Great God! His yellow skin scarcely
covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same color as the dun white sockets in which they were set, his shriveled complexion and straight black lips.

In context, what does the underlined phrase most likely mean?
A. This is the most perfect creature I have ever seen!
B. Thank God, my gorgeous creation came to life!
C. Handsome! Nothing could be further from the truth!
D. I can't believe I worked so hard for nothing!

Answer 1

The phrase likely means that despite the creature's individual features being beautiful, the overall appearance is horrifying, not handsome. The correct answer is option C.

Step-by-step explanation:

From the given text, it is evident that the underlined phrase 'Beautiful!--Great God!' indicates a mixture of shock and horror at the contrast between what was intended and the actual outcome. The phrase is likely to mean C. Handsome! Nothing could be further from the truth! as the creator is horrified at the sight of the creature he has formed—insinuating that though the features were selected for beauty, they became repelling when pieced together. The reference to 'Great God!' suggests a despairing appeal to a higher power, expressing the creator's dismay and regret.