Question

Adapted from The Cloak

by Nikolai Gogol
When and how he entered the department, and who appointed him, no one could
remember. However much the directors and chiefs of all kinds were changed, he was
always to be seen in the same place, the same attitude, the same occupation-always the
letter-copying clerk-so that it was afterwards affirmed that he had been born in uniform
with a bald head. No respect was shown him in the department. The porter not only did not
rise from his seat when he passed, but never even glanced at him, any more than if a fly
had flown through the reception-room. His superiors treated him in coolly despotic fashion.
Some insignificant assistant to the head clerk would thrust a paper under his nose without
so much as saying, "Copy," or, "Here's an interesting little case," or anything else
agreeable, as is customary amongst well-bred officials. And he took it, looking only at the
paper, and not observing who handed it to him, or whether he had the right to do so;
simply took it, and set about copying it.

Select the correct answer.
Which detail best reflects the historical and cultural setting of the text?
A. well-bred officials
B. the department
C. the head clerk
D. the reception-room

Answer 1

The term 'well-bred officials' best reflects the historical and cultural setting of the text by highlighting the social structures and expected behaviors within a bureaucratic environment. The correct answer is option A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The detail that best reflects the historical and cultural setting of the text 'The Cloak' by Nikolai Gogol is A. well-bred officials. This phrase implies a certain structure and etiquette within the workplace and society, characteristic of the period of bureaucracy in which Gogol was writing. It speaks to the expectations of behavior and class distinctions prevalent in the society of that time, where the observance of such courtesies was indicative of one's social standing and professional demeanor within the rigid hierarchies that structured institutions and offices.