Question

Historical fiction is concerned with depicting historical figures and events in a new light. In this excerpt from “Behold the Brooklyn Bridge,” which two sentences most clearly describe historical elements? We followed the crowd of people funneling onto the bridge to cross into Manhattan. I had to crane my neck backward to look up at the top of the closest tower. My eyes followed the long swooping wires as they stretched down and over to the next tower. The wires shimmered in the sunlight and I was sure they were made of the most precious metal. The crowd walked unhurriedly, taking in each detail of the new spectacle. As we neared the other side of the river, I saw a group of people chattering excitedly. “Papa, what’s going on there?” I asked curiously. Papa glanced over toward the crowd. “Why that’s President Arthur himself!” he exclaimed. I thought to myself that it must really be an important day if even the president attended. Looking around at all the people, I was suddenly glad to be wearing my best clothes. As fireworks went off that evening, I said to Papa, "They really did it, Papa, didn't they?" "Yes," he said with a smile, "they really did.

Answer 1

The sentences that most clearly depict historical elements in the excerpt are those mentioning President Arthur and testifying to the historical significance of the event, which is the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the excerpt from “Behold the Brooklyn Bridge,” the two sentences that most clearly describe historical elements are: “As we neared the other side of the river, I saw a group of people chattering excitedly. ‘Papa, what’s going on there?’ I asked curiously.” and “Papa glanced over toward the crowd. ‘Why that’s President Arthur himself!’ he exclaimed.” These sentences depict the historical context by referring to President Arthur and by illustrating the significance of the event being experienced by the characters. In the story, this reflects the celebration of the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883, embodying American progress in the post-Civil War era.

Historical fiction often integrates characters into a factual setting, where they interact with historical figures or witness actual events. The narrative remains faithful to historical truth while the characters' personal experiences and reactions may be fictional. This fusion allows readers to engage with history on a personal level, achieving a balance between educational content and immersive storytelling.

Answer 2

the answers are

We followed the crowd of people funneling onto the bridge to cross into Manhattan. and “Why that’s President Arthur himself!” he exclaimed.