Read this excerpt from chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter using comprehension strategies. It was no great distance, in those days, from the prison-door to the market-place. Measured by the prisoner's experience, however, it might be reckoned a journey of some length; for, haughty as her demeanour was, she perchance underwent an agony from every footstep of those that thronged to see her, as if her heart had been flung into the street for them all to spurn and trample upon. What is the meaning of this excerpt?
Answer
A
The walk from prison to scaffolding grew farther over the years as the town expanded.
B
The walk from prison to scaffolding was both emotionally and physically painful for Hester.
C
The walk from prison to scaffolding was short, but the onlookers were a violent crowd.
D
The walk from prison to scaffolding seemed a long and treacherous journey to Hester.
Explanation
The passage says the distance was “no great” in reality, but seemed long when measured by Hester’s experience. Each footstep of the crowd caused her agony, so the walk felt like a long, painful journey to her. Choice D captures that feeling; the excerpt does not say the walk physically grew longer or that the crowd was violent.
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