Combining Sources to Understand the Life of Abraham Lincoln
Question 9 • English 7 - LIU Summer
Read this excerpt from “1859 Autobiographical Statement for the Chester County Times .”If any personal description of me is thought desirable, it may be said, I am, in height, six feet, four inches, nearly; lean in flesh, weighing, on an average, one hundred and eighty pounds; dark complexion, with coarse black hair, and grey eyes—no other marks or brands recollected.
Answer
A
He is using hyperbole to exaggerate how handsome and strong he is.
B
He is using hyperbole to exaggerate how tall and slender his body is.
C
He is poking fun at himself by suggesting that he is better-looking than others.
D
He is poking fun at himself by suggesting that he is nothing special to look at.
Explanation
He gives a matter-of-fact description of his height, weight, hair, and eyes, then adds that he has “no other marks or brands recollected.” That dry, joking ending suggests he considers himself ordinary-looking rather than especially handsome. He is not exaggerating his height or slenderness for effect, so D is the best choice.
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