Question

Read this description of Abraham Lincoln.

I see very plainly Abraham Lincoln’s dark brown face, with the deep-cut lines, the eyes, always to me with a deep latent sadness in the expression. . . . None of the artists or pictures has caught the deep, though subtle and indirect, expression of this man’s face.

What does this passage help readers imagine about Lincoln’s appearance?

that he looked serious and sorrowful
that he looked young and thoughtful
that he looked angry and stern
that he looked witty and playful

Answer 1

The passage helps readers imagine that Lincoln looked serious and sorrowful. The description of his "deep latent sadness" suggests a profound melancholy that is always present in his expression. The reference to "deep-cut lines" also implies a face marked by age and experience, rather than youthfulness. The passage does not suggest that Lincoln looked angry, stern, witty, or playful.

Answer 2

Answer: That he looks serious and sorrowful

Explanation: The adjectives used to describe Lincoln portray the emotions of serious through his "deep cut lines" and his eyes while sadness is used as a synonym for "sorrowful"