Coming of Age in That Thing We Call a Heart — Quiz
Question 10 • English Language Arts 10
Read the excerpt from The Red Badge of Courage. In this excerpt, Henry Fleming is reflecting on his mother’s reaction to the news that he enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Still, she had disappointed him by saying nothing whatever about returning with his shield or on it. He had privately primed himself for a beautiful scene. He had prepared certain sentences which he thought could be used with touching effect. But her words destroyed his plans. She had doggedly peeled potatoes and addressed him as follows: "You watch out, Henry, an’ take good care of yerself in this here fighting business—you watch, an’ take good care of yerself. Don’t go a-thinkin’ you can lick the hull rebel army at the start, because yeh can’t. Yer jest one little feller amongst a hull lot of others, and yeh’ve got to keep quiet an’ do what they tell yeh. I know how you are, Henry.” Based on this excerpt, what is Henry’s mother most likely to believe about Henry?
Answer
A
He has a history of disobeying authority.
B
He is a suitable candidate to go to war.
C
He will suffer from homesickness.
D
He already has excellent fighting skills.
Explanation
Henry’s mother tells him to keep quiet and do what he is told, and warns him not to think he can defeat the entire Rebel army by himself. Her words suggest she expects him to be overconfident or not follow orders, implying a history of disobeying authority. The excerpt does not suggest that she believes he has excellent fighting skills or will suffer from homesickness.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.