Read the final paragraph of "How We Entered World War I." In April 1917 the illusion of isolation was destroyed. America came to the end of innocence, and of the exuberant freedom of bachelor independence. That the responsibilities of world power have not made us happier is no surprise. To help ourselves manage them, we have replaced the illusion of isolation with a new illusion of omnipotence. That screen, too, must fall. Which best explains the purpose of repeating the word “illusion” in the paragraph?
Answer
A
to highlight the fact that Wilson based his decisions on false ideas
B
to demonstrate that the United States’ sense of strength is a complete falsehood
C
to mock the United States’ reasons for becoming involved in World War I
D
to emphasize that the United States was never completely isolationist nor will it ever be all powerful
Explanation
The paragraph calls isolation an “illusion,” then says the country has replaced it with an “illusion of omnipotence.” Repeating the word links the two mistaken beliefs: the United States was not truly separate from world affairs, and it is not all-powerful. This best matches choice D, which says the United States was never completely isolationist nor will it ever be all powerful.
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