Read the quote from Leslie Marmon Silko’s story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." The priest stared down at his scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock. "For a Christian burial it was necessary." His voice was distant, and Leon thought that his blue eyes looked tired. "It's O.K., Father, we just want him to have plenty of water." The priest sank down into the green chair and picked up a glossy missionary magazine. He turned the colored pages full of lepers and pagans without looking at them. "You know I can't do that, Leon. There should have been the Last Rites and a funeral Mass at the very least." Based on this excerpt, what can be inferred about Father Paul’s feelings?
Answer
A
He is discouraged because Leon does not view the holy water as a holy symbol.
B
He secretly feels frustrated that Leon and the Pueblo people hold on to their traditional beliefs.
C
He hopes to convince the Pueblo people to convert from their traditional beliefs to Christianity.
D
He is upset because he is unable to stand up to Leon’s demands and manipulations.
Explanation
Father Paul sounds tired and distant, and he points out that the burial should have included the Last Rites and a funeral Mass. Leon responds that the family wants the holy water so the deceased will have plenty of water, suggesting he values it for its connection to rain and Pueblo beliefs rather than as a Christian holy symbol. This supports the inference that Father Paul is discouraged by Leon’s view of the holy water.
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