Question

1. Part A

Read this excerpt from paragraph 5 from Chapter 5 of The Call of the Wild:
Hal was a youngster of nineteen or twenty, with a big Colt's revolver and a
hunting knife strapped about him on a belt that fairly bristled with
cartridges. This belt was the most salient thing about him. It advertised his
callowness-a callowness sheer and unutterable. Both men were
manifestly out of place, and why such as they should adventure the North
is part of the mystery of things that passes understanding.
Which word or phrase provides the best meaning for callowness as it is
used in this sentence?

Answer 1

The word 'callowness' in the excerpt from Chapter 5 of The Call of the Wild refers to a lack of maturity and sophistication, particularly in relation to Hal's youthful inexperience and ostentatious display of a cartridge-filled belt.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the excerpt from Chapter 5 of The Call of the Wild, the term callowness is used to describe Hal, a character who is young and inexperienced. The word 'callowness' indicates a lack of maturity or sophistication, which is evident from Hal's bearing and actions. Notably, Hal's belt, which 'fairly bristled with cartridges,' is highlighted as the most prominent feature about him, suggesting that he is trying to make an impression that does not match his actual abilities or understanding of the Yukon environment he has ventured into.