Question

Which detail in the cyclists' dialogue refines the idea that they might be related? (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."... (20) "Let's differentiate our names somehow," said the pleasant-voiced one lazily--"Did your godfathers, etc., do anything more for you than Edward--mine didn't." (21) The other shook his head. Something in his handsome face had already differentiated itself from the amused curiosity on his companion's. (22) "That's awkward--we shall be driven to abbreviations. You shall be Ted, and I Ned--both dentals but philologically uninterchangeable; so they'll do for the present. Well, Ted, since you are twenty-seven and I'm gone twenty-nine, and my father died before I was born, we can't be complicated up as long--lost brothers--can we?" (23) Ted turned to him frowning sharply--"No! but--but what put that into your head. I----"

Answer 1

The cyclists' dialogue about distinguishing their names and the subsequent discussion on their parents and ages suggest a familiarity that raises the question of a possible familial connection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The detail in the cyclists' dialogue that refines the idea that they might be related is when they discuss needing to differentiate their names, "You shall be Ted, and I Ned" followed by the exposition about their ages and parents. The natural familiarity with which they entertain and set upon the idea of having similar names and the details about their parents and ages suggest a bond that could imply a familial relation. The moment that strikes curiosity is when one cyclist mentions, "we can't be complicated up as long--lost brothers--can we?" The frowning, sharp response from Ted to this suggestion further piques the interest in their relationship.

The detail in the cyclists' dialogue that refines the idea that they might be related is when one of them suggests differentiating their names. He proposes that they use the names Ted and Ned, which are both dentals but philologically uninterchangeable. This shows that they have a familiarity with each other and have likely spent time together, indicating a possible familial relationship.