Question

Iterary Text: Historical Fiction

Read this passage. Then, answer the question(s).

(1) It was a fine harbor, well protected from the sea, yet with the sea easily reachable through navigable waters. (2) The vessel sailed for the Dutch West India Company, its mission to purchase from the natives a base from which to conduct company trade. (3) The best location, it was decided, was the tip of the hilly island the natives called Manna-hata. (4) Dutch being unfamiliar to the natives, the captain employed broken French and a great deal of sign language to arrange for the purchase. (5) For goods worth only about sixty Dutch guilders—cloth, kettles, knives, shirts—he concluded what he thought was a splendid bargain, acquiring the island for the company.

(6) The Tall One spoke as best he could to the strangers from across the waters. (7) "I know my people's love of the land. I hear your words, but I do not think you share this love. (8) When you speak, I hear only your want. (9) I hear only your need. (10) Your need is for a place to hunt. (11) Your want is for a promise of safety. (12) For this, you make offerings. (13) Very well. (14) There is enough here to share. (15) I accept your offerings, and I welcome you in peace." (16) He did not understand why later they expected him and his people to leave the area.


Which meaning of the word base is used in sentence 2?
A. a supporting foundation
B. a center of operations
C. a sand-filled bag
D. a main ing

Answer 1

B). A center of operations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word 'base' has different denotations and connotations varying on the context in which it is used. In the given context, it stands for 'a central place from where all the decisions are made for a specific purpose or an organization.' Here, the harbor which is 'well protected from the sea' is reachable and therefore, the 'vessel sailed to Dutch West India Company' which will serve as the base(center of operations) from where all the decisions or actions would be controlled. It will serve as the center from where the entire company trade will be operated. Thus, option B is the correct answer.