Answer: A) One character receives a surprising request from another character.
In the passage, Akira approaches Chie and asks for Naomi's hand in marriage. This request surprises Chie, as she had not made any effort to find Naomi a husband. The unexpected nature of Akira's proposal creates tension and uncertainty for Chie.
B) A detailed depiction of a meaningful encounter.
The passage provides a detailed depiction of the encounter between Akira and Chie. It explores Akira's proposal, Chie's initial surprise and doubt, and Naomi's involvement. The passage delves into the characters' thoughts and reactions, providing a meaningful exploration of their dynamics and potential conflicts.
As used in line 1 and line 65, "directly" most nearly means C) without mediation.
In both instances, "directly" means without the use of a go-between or intermediary. Akira states that he asks directly for Chie's consent to marry Naomi because using a go-between takes time. He believes that whether through direct asking or the use of a go-between, the ultimate outcome depends on parental approval.
The reaction that Akira most fears from Chie is A) She will consider his proposal inappropriate.
Akira is concerned that Chie might find his proposal inappropriate due to its unorthodox nature and the speed at which he wishes to proceed. He hopes that Chie will not judge his candidacy solely based on the unseemliness of his proposal and will give him a chance to secure her consent.