Question

What state of mind is revealed by the quote, "all the smoldering emotions of that summer swelled in me and burst"?

a) Bitterness as the narrator realizes the depths of her family's poverty.
b) An overflow of anger and resentment towards the narrator's neglectful parents.
c) An overwhelming feeling of helplessness caused by the narrator's new understanding of the world.
d) Euphoria at the thought of becoming a woman.

Answer 1

The quote suggests an overflow of anger and resentment, which aligns with option b) An overflow of anger and resentment towards the narrator's neglectful parents.

Step-by-step explanation:

The state of mind revealed by the quote, "all the smoldering emotions of that summer swelled in me and burst," appears to be an overflow of anger and resentment towards the conditions faced by the narrator, rather than any of the other options provided. This interpretation is bolstered by other sections in the text where there are mentions of anger and bitterness, a sense of hopeless discomfort, and stinging melancholy. These emotions suggest a tumultuous inner world characterized by frustration and perhaps a feeling of impotence in the face of life's circumstances, which would align most closely with option b) An overflow of anger and resentment towards the narrator's neglectful parents.