Question

Select the correct text in the passage. Read the excerpt. Which detail introduces the central idea that the two cyclists might be related? (14) "Left nothing behind, I hope," said the other, glancing back. "Hullo! There's a letter tumbled out of somebody's pocket in the stramash--yours or mine?" (15) It lay address upwards between them, and the taller of the two with a brief "Mine," picked it up and put it in his pocket. His companion stared at him. (16) "Look here," he said, holding out his hand. "You've made a mistake--that letter belongs to me--I'm Edward Cruttenden." (17) It was the other's turn to stare. "The deuce you are! Why!--my name is Edward Cruttenden!" (18) They stood thus staring at each other with a sudden dim sense of their own similarity, until the shorter of the two shook his head whimsically. (19) "This is confusing," he remarked in a tone of argument. "Let's sit down and have a pipe over it--we shall have to differentiate ourselves before we start out into the world together."...

Answer 1

The detail that introduces the central idea that the two cyclists might be related is found in line (17): "It was the other's turn to stare. 'The deuce you are! Why!--my name is Edward Cruttenden!'"

In the provided passage, the central idea that the two cyclists might be related is introduced in line (17) when one of the characters, upon hearing the name of the other, expresses surprise and exclaims, "The deuce you are! Why!--my name is Edward Cruttenden!"

This statement creates a moment of revelation and realization between the two characters. The fact that both cyclists share the same name, Edward Cruttenden, suggests the possibility of a familial or at least a coincidental connection between them. The use of exclamation and the phrase "The deuce you are!" conveys a sense of astonishment and disbelief, emphasizing the unexpected nature of this revelation.

This detail serves as a pivotal point in the passage, leading to a recognition of the similarity between the two characters. The subsequent lines suggest that they are not merely strangers with the same name but may have a more significant connection. This shared name becomes a starting point for the characters to acknowledge their resemblance and prompts them to consider the need to differentiate themselves before embarking on their journey together.

In summary, the key detail in line (17) establishes the central idea of a potential relationship between the two cyclists based on their shared name, Edward Cruttenden.