Question

Derek is writing a narrative about the Old West. Read his opening paragraphs.

Everyone in Collinsville knew that Bucky Jones was bad news, but no one was willing to do anything about it. No one but me, that is. That rattlesnake of a man had taken advantage of my friends for the last time.


I stood in the middle of Main Street, squinting under the high-noon sun. I could feel the eyes of the townspeople watching me from behind their locked doors and closed windows. My eyes were on the horizon, watching for the dust cloud that would announce the arrival of public enemy number one.

How does Derek use these paragraphs to engage the reader?

A.
He uses first-person narration to put the reader in the central character’s shoes.
B.
He uses second-person narration to give the reader the feeling of being told a story.
C.
He uses third-person omniscient narration to give the reader access to every character’s thoughts.
D.
He uses third-person limited narration to give the reader insight into the central character’s thoughts.

Answer 1

Derek engages readers by using first-person narration in his Old West narrative, allowing them to experience the events directly through the central character's perspective and thoughts. The correct option is A. He uses first-person narration to put the reader in the central character’s shoes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Derek uses first-person narration to engage the reader in his opening paragraphs of the narrative about the Old West. By telling the story with pronouns me and I, the reader is able to experience the events directly through the central character's perspective. This narrative technique is effective in immersing the reader in the story, as they are given insight into the character's thoughts and feelings, creating a personal connection to the narrative.

As such, the correct answer to how Derek uses these paragraphs to engage the reader is. he uses first-person narration to put the reader in the central character's shoes. This approach allows readers to vicariously experience the tension and anticipation of confronting Bucky Jones, as well as the sense of isolation as the townspeople watch from a distance.