Structure and Style in The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects — Quiz
Question 14 • English Language Arts 12
Read the excerpt from Suffragists' "Great Demand" Banner. On October 20, Alice Paul was arrested and sentenced to seven months in jail. She and her companions were held in solitary confinement and denied counsel. Paul went on a hunger strike and was violently force-fed. Authorities confined her to a psychiatric ward in an effort to discredit her. Which statement best describes the author’s diction in this excerpt?
Answer
A
The author uses detailed language to educate readers about prison conditions of the early 1900s.
B
The use of the word violently helps readers understand the needless cruelty used against Alice Paul.
C
The use of the word violently creates sympathy toward the police officers who were treated poorly by Paul.
D
The author uses detailed language to describe the indignities of the Workhouse Prison.
Explanation
The word “violently” emphasizes that force-feeding was brutal and unnecessary, shaping readers’ view of how Alice Paul was treated. This diction encourages concern for Paul and highlights the cruelty of the authorities’ actions. Choice A and B focus on detailed descriptions or general education, but the excerpt’s key effect comes from the strong word “violently.” Choice D is incorrect because the word does not create sympathy for the officers.
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