Question

Read the passage from “Comprehending the Calamity.” The day came on dusty and hot. The wind had changed, showering us with ashes and stinging our eyes with smoke from the ever-increasing fire. The line formed for cold water. Each had his turn. A man would argue for a drink for his wife, and look down the long line of Americans, Japanese, Negroes, Chinese, and all sorts and degrees of men, women, and children. “Just one cupful. It only takes a moment, and she’s almost famished.” “Yes, but that moment belongs to someone else,” replied my husband, with that fierce look from his old military days that I knew covered the softest heart in the world. And the man went to the foot of the line, and it was just an hour and a half before he came to the faucet for his pitcherful. Which key events happen in this passage? Select all that apply. Comprehending the Calamity A. The author’s husband has a stern look but a soft heart. B. A line of people from all walks of life stood waiting for water. C. The wind change drove smoke and ashes into the crowd. D. The author’s husband made the man wait in line with everyone else.

Answer 1

B. A line of people from all walks of life stood waiting for water.

C. The wind change drove smoke and ashes into the crowd.

D. The author’s husband made the man wait in line with everyone else.

Step-by-step explanation:

The given passage is from the short personal narrative of Emma M. Burke about her experience during the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. This narrative is just a general idea of how devastating the disaster was, which is not comprehensible in words.

In the given passage, the speaker/ narrator explains how the dusty and hot winds brought so much ash and pain to the people. Everyone, be it "Americans, Japanese, Negroes, Chinese and all sorts and degrees of men, women, and children" were lined up for cold water. And despite everyone's eagerness to get their hands on the cold water, the author's husband made the man wait in line like everyone else, for they are all in the same situation and must abide by the rules.

Thus, the key events that happen in this passage are options B, C, and D.