Question

Why does the Wife lament?

1) Because her husband left her for another woman
2) Because she lost her job
3) Because she is sick
4) Because she is lonely

Answer 1

The Wife laments 4) because she is lonely, as indicated by passages describing her life as lonesome and her feelings of isolation despite having a fine house and means.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question 'Why does the Wife lament?' could refer to multiple scenarios, as the condition causing her lamentation isn't fully specified. However, from the context provided, we can deduce that the Wife laments 4) because she is lonely.

This is evident in a passage stating that she has lived for twenty-eight years of womanly life and is still lonesome, despite owning a fine house.

She hides behind the blinds, suggesting a separation from society, and wonders which of the young men she prefers, indicating a desire for companionship.

Additionally, another passage discusses a female character who is divorced and now feels lonely in New York, further supporting that loneliness is a main source of grief for the women described.